ABSTRACT
Light amplication by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER) yields beams of light that are monochromatic and easily manipulated. e ability to produce highly coherent, monochromatic, collimated beams of light has revolutionized many disciplines, including medicine. ere are multiple ways that laser light can interact with tissue and these mechanisms lead to a variety of medical procedures that range from tissue cutting and welding in surgical procedures, to photodynamic therapy
in oncology (Boulnois 1986). Laser light can easily be converted to an intense beam of light that can penetrate deep into tissues, which has enabled a procedure termed laser-induced thermal therapy (LITT). High-intensity laser beams can be delivered to deep-seated tumors via optical bers inserted directly into tumors with great precision. A major drawback of LITT is the lack of selective damage; cancerous and healthy tissues are both equally susceptible to damage. Tissue penetration, inability to selectively heat the target, and a lack of predictive heat control have prevented its widespread clinical use.
