Comparing laser therapy and open surgery for temporal lobe epilepsy

Magnetic Resonance-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: A Prospective, Randomized, Open Blinded, End-point Trial

NA · Beijing Tiantan Hospital · NCT06720922

This study is testing whether laser therapy works better than traditional surgery for people with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy to see how well each option controls seizures.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Tiantan Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT06720922 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the clinical outcomes of magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) with traditional open surgery for patients suffering from drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). It aims to evaluate how these two interventions affect seizure control and overall prognosis. Additionally, the study will investigate various factors that may influence the success of seizure outcomes in these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy who have been approved for surgical intervention.

Not a fit: Patients with significant medical comorbidities or a history of brain surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a less invasive treatment option for patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with MRgLITT in treating epilepsy, suggesting that this approach may be effective, though it is still considered a novel intervention compared to traditional methods.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-65 years.
* Drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
* Seizure frequency ≥ 1 time /month.
* Participants approved.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of brain surgery.
* Intracranial space occupying lesions.
* Individuals with significant medical comorbidities or conditions that pose an excessive risk for surgery, such as severe cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, or uncontrolled systemic infections.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, Magnetic Resonance-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy, Open Surgery

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.