Abstract:
A system, method and device for treating tumor cells utilizing a resorbable therapy seed made up of microspheres containing a beta- or alpha-particle-emitting radiation source and a resorbable polymer matrix. These seeds are implanted within the tumor and then rapidly dissolved so as to release the microspheres from the polymer matrix. These microspheres then spread within a preselected target area and provide radiation therapy in a predetermined amount and at a preselected rate according the specific needs and necessities of the users. The configuration of the microspheres, the types of radiation provided and the location and use of these microspheres provides desired localized treatment to target cells while preferentially avoiding or minimizing undesired damage to surrounding tissue. The present invention provides a method for making the seeds, as well as a method for utilizing the seeds as a part of the treatment method.
Abstract:
A system, method and device for treating tumor cells utilizing a resorbable therapy seed made up of microspheres containing a beta- or alpha-particle-emitting radiation source and a resorbable polymer matrix. These seeds are implanted within the tumor and then rapidly dissolved so as to release the microspheres from the polymer matrix. These microspheres then spread within a preselected target area and provide radiation therapy in a predetermined amount and at a preselected rate according the specific needs and necessities of the users. The configuration of the microspheres, the types of radiation provided and the location and use of these microspheres provides desired localized treatment to target cells while preferentially avoiding or minimizing undesired damage to surrounding tissue. The present invention provides a method for making the seeds, as well as a method for utilizing the seeds as a part of the treatment method.
Abstract:
A system, method and device for treating tumor cells utilizing a resorbable therapy seed made up of microspheres containing a beta-particle-emitting radiation source and a resorbable polymer matrix. These seeds are implanted within the tumor and then rapidly dissolved or broken so as to release the microspheres. These microspheres then spread within a preselected target area and provide radiation therapy in a predetermined amount and at a preselected rate according the specific needs and necessities of the users. The configuration of the microspheres, the types of radiation provided and the location and use of these microspheres provides desired localized treatment to target cells while preferentially avoiding undesired damage to surrounding tissue. The present invention provides a method for making the seeds, as well as a method for utilizing the seeds as a part of the treatment method.
Abstract:
Mixed micelles containing poly(L-histidine)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer and poly(L-lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer are a pH-sensitive drug carrier that release the drug in an acidic microenvironment, but not in the blood. Since the microenvironment of solid tumors is acidic, these mixed micelles are useful for treating cancer, including those cancers exhibiting multidrug resistance. Targeting ligands, such as folate, can also be attached to the mixed micelles for enhancing drug delivery into cells. Methods of treating a warm-blooded animal with such a drug are disclosed.
Abstract:
Mixed micelles containing poly(L-histidine)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer and poly(L-lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer are a pH-sensitive drug carrier that release the drug in an acidic microenvironment, but not in the blood. Since the microenvironment of solid tumors is acidic, these mixed micelles are useful for treating cancer, including those cancers exhibiting multidrug resistance. Targeting ligands, such as folate, can also be attached to the mixed micelles for enhancing drug delivery into cells. Methods of treating a warm-blooded animal with such a drug are disclosed.
Abstract:
A drug delivery vehicle for targeted delivery of a drug mimics viral properties of size, capsid-like protein capsule, cell-specific entry, toxin release, destruction of infected cells, and migration to neighboring cells. This vehicle, termed a virogel, contains a hydrophobic polymeric core, a hydrophilic inner shell, a hydrophilic outer shell, and a ligand. An illustrative drug-loaded virogel includes poly(L-histidine-co-phenylalanine) as the core, doxorubicin loaded in the core, polyethylene glycol as the inner shell, bovine serum albumin as the outer shell, and folic acid as the ligand.
Abstract:
Drug delivery compositions for specific delivery of a drug to a tumor are described. These compositions include a core for sequestering the drug and a shell to which a ligand is attached for delivery of a drug to target cells. Since normal cells may also be targeted by the ligand, the compositions embed the ligand in the shell until the localized conditions surrounding the tumor cause the ligand to be displayed on the surface of the shell. One composition exhibits shrinkage of the shell at tumor pH, whereas another composition exhibits extension of the ligand at tumor pH. Still another composition causes the ligand to be exhibited at an elevated temperature.
Abstract:
There are disclosed pH-sensitive polymers containing sulfonamide groups, which can be changed in physical properties, such as swellability and solubility, depending on pH and which can be applied for a drug-delivery system, bio-material, sensor, etc, and a preparation method therefor. The pH-sensitive polymers are prepared by introduction of sulfonamide groups, various in pKa, to hydrophilic groups of polymers either through coupling to the hydrophilic groups, such as acrylamide, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, acrylic acid, N-isopropylacrylamide, etc, of polymers or copolymerization with other polymerizable monomers. These pH-sensitive polymers may have a structure of linear polymer, grafted copolymer, hydrogel or interpenetrating network polymer.
Abstract:
Mixed micelles containing poly(L-histidine)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer and poly(L-lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer are a pH-sensitive drug carrier that release the drug in an acidic microenvironment, but not in the blood. Since the microenvironment of solid tumors is acidic, these mixed micelles are useful for treating cancer, including those cancers exhibiting multidrug resistance. Targeting ligands, such as folate, can also be attached to the mixed micelles for enhancing drug delivery into cells. Methods of treating a warm-blooded animal with such a drug are disclosed.
Abstract:
Disclosed are liquefied embolic materials capable of sol-gel phase transition in response to in vivo conditions, including temperature, ionic strength, and pH, and their uses. The liquefied embolic materials are made of copolymers based on temperature-sensitive isopropylacrylamide and ionic strength- and/or pH-sensitive monomers. In addition to finding excellent applications in the embolotherapy, the embolic materials can be used as extracellular matrixes for cell culture and for drug-delivery systems for cancer therapy.