High grade astrocytomas, including GBM, remain among the most aggressive and treatment resistant brain tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, have historically shown limited benefit in this population due to multiple factors, including the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and tumor characteristics allowing for evasion of the body’s immune response.

This study suggests that thermal ablation – heat generated by laser energy – delivered by NeuroBlate induces BBB disruption and activates an immune response, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effect of pembrolizumab.