A Phase 1/randomized Phase 2b study published in Nature Communications reported that combining laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) with adjuvant pembrolizumab produced encouraging responses in recurrent high‑grade astrocytomas. Investigators led by Campian, Le and Ghiaseddin described improved survival metrics versus historical controls and identified immune‑correlative signals suggesting LITT may prime the tumor microenvironment to enhance checkpoint inhibitor activity. The dataset spans early‑phase safety and randomized efficacy cohorts; authors noted the approach may be particularly relevant for patients who have limited options after surgery and radiation. The combination leverages LITT’s focal cytoreduction and potential to disrupt tumor immune deserts, paired with PD‑1 blockade to sustain systemic anti‑tumor immunity. If validated in larger trials, the LITT plus pembrolizumab regimen could alter treatment algorithms for recurrent gliomas by combining a localized thermal intervention with systemic immunotherapy.