Stent for neutron capture therapy and method of manufacture therefor

Abstract

Improved method and apparatus for neutron capture therapy are disclosed, which may beneficially be used to counteract restenosis. An improved stent and a method for manufacturing the stent are also presented. The stent comprises a stable nuclide having a large neutron capture cross-section. When a clinical need exists for radiation therapy, the stent is irradiated with thermal neutrons, thereby giving rise to radiation in the proximity of the stent to a therapeutic benefit. Since radiation is applied by an external source, it can be delivered at any time after placement of the stent and easily can be repeated. The stent only contains stable nuclides and therefore can be handled without the precautions needed when handling radioactive matter.

1 . A stent for neutron capture therapy, the stent comprising a body portion fabricated from a material that incorporates a stable atomic element having a neutron capture cross-section greater than 10 3  barns.  
   
   
       2 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the stable atomic element is chosen from the group consisting of  157 Gd,  155 Gd,  149 Sm,  113 Cd and  151 Eu.  
   
   
       3 . The stent of  claim 2 , wherein the body portion comprises a metallic wire mesh.  
   
   
       4 . The stent of  claim 3 , wherein the metallic wire mesh is fabricated from hollow wires, the stable atomic element located within the hollow wires.  
   
   
       5 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the material comprises an alloy or mix incorporating the stable atomic element and a bulk material having a neutron capture cross-section less than 10 2  barns.  
   
   
       6 . The stent of  claim 3 , wherein the metallic wire mesh is fabricated from an alloy or mix incorporating the stable atomic element.  
   
   
       7 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the body portion is coated with a biologically compatible material that prevents contact between body tissue and the stable atomic element.  
   
   
       8 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the stable atomic element is incorporated into the stent in a nonuniform density to vary a radiation dose obtained during neutron radiation therapy.  
   
   
       9 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the stable atomic element further comprises multiple stable atomic elements.  
   
   
       10 . The stent of  claim 3  further comprising a fabric in communication with the metallic wire mesh.  
   
   
       11 . The stent of  claim 10 , wherein the fabric provides a continuous tubular profile to the stent.  
   
   
       12 . The stent of  claim 1  further comprising a radiation source in communication with the stable atomic element.  
   
   
       13 - 19 . (canceled)  
   
   
       20 . A method of performing neutron capture therapy, the method comprising: 
 providing a stent comprising a body portion fabricated from a material that incorporates a stable atomic element, the element having a neutron capture cross-section greater than 10 3  barns;    deploying the stent at a treatment site within a patient's vasculature; and    externally irradiating the patient near the treatment site, the stable atomic element preferentially absorbing and emitting the radiation to tissue at the treatment site.    
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein preferentially absorbing and emitting the radiation comprises providing localized radiation therapy to the treatment site in a concentrated dose.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the emitted radiation acts on surrounding tissue to a therapeutic benefit.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the therapeutic benefit comprises reducing restenosis encountered after an interventional procedure.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the interventional procedure is chosen from the group consisting of angioplasty and stenting.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein providing a stent comprising a body portion fabricated from a material that incorporates a stable atomic element comprises providing a stable atomic element chosen from the group consisting of  157 Gd,  155 Gd,  149 Sm,  113 Cd and  151 Eu.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the stable element provides negligible radiation when not irradiated.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the stable element has a half life on the order of milliseconds or less.