Article

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that cortical plasticity related to destructive tumour growth is functionally relevant. This hypothesis predicts that function is dependent on the intactness of tissue surrounding the tumour. METHODS: Eight patients underwent laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) for minimally invasive palliative treatment of brain tumours located in eloquent frontal motor regions including the primary motor cortex. A multimodal approach was used to assess the functional outcome of patients after LITT in detail. RESULTS: Following LITT, motor function deteriorated in four patients. In three of these four patients the LITT-induced lesion involved minimal parts of adjacent non-tumorous tissue. By contrast, the other four patients whose LITT-induced signal changes were confined to the tumour, showed no functional deficits. CONCLUSION: These findings support the idea that peri-tumorous neuronal circuitry in motor competent areas may permanently take over those functions that were formerly represented in the neuronal tissue destroyed by the tumour.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI

Identifiant basis : 2003227825