Brachytherapy seed

Abstract

A radiopaque brachytherapy seed for implantation into a subject includes a biocompatible component, a therapeutically active component including a non-radioactive drug, and a radiopaque marker. The biocompatible component is (a) physically associated with a therapeutically active component and (b) in contact with the radiopaque marker. The brachytherapy seed has a size and shape suitable for passing through the bore of a needle having an interior diameter of less than about 2.7 millimeters (10 gauge).

1 - 60 . (canceled) 
     
     
         61 . A non-radioactive completely biodegradable polymeric radiopaque brachytherapy seed, wherein the seed has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of at least 0.5 millimeters and wherein the seed has a size and shape suitable for passing through the bore of a needle having an interior diameter of less than about 2.7 millimeters (10 gauge), comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic agent dispersed within the polymer and released over a period of weeks to months to cause a medically beneficial effect. 
     
     
         62 . The brachytherapy seed of  claim 61 , wherein said size and shape is suitable for passing through the bore of a needle having an interior diameter of less than about 1.4 millimeters (15 gauge). 
     
     
         63 . The brachytherapy seed of  claim 62 , wherein the size and shape is suitable for passing through the bore of a needle having an interior diameter of less than about 0.84 millimeters (18 gauge). 
     
     
         64 . The brachytherapy seed of  claim 62 , wherein said size and shape is suitable for passing through the bore of a needle having an interior diameter of less than about 0.56 millimeters (24 gauge). 
     
     
         65 . The brachytherapy seed of  claim 61 , wherein the seed is shaped into a cylinder having a diameter of between about 0.5 to 3 millimeters and a length 4 to 10 millimeters. 
     
     
         66 . The brachytherapy seed of  claim 65 , wherein the diameter is about 0.8 millimeters and the length is about 4.5 millimeters. 
     
     
         67 . (canceled) 
     
     
         68 . The brachytherapy seed of  claim 61 , further comprising one or more pores. 
     
     
         69 . The brachytherapy seed of  claim 61 , wherein the therapeutically active agent is selected from the group consisting of small molecule drugs, growth factors, gene vectors, viral vectors, anti-angiogenesis agents, cytotoxic agents, cytostatic agents, cytocidal agents, transforming agents, apoptosis-inducing agents, radiosensitizing agents, radioprotectants, hormones, enzymes, antibiotics, antiviral agents, mitogens, cytokines, anti-inflammatory agents, immunotoxins, antibodies, and antigens. 
     
     
         70 . The brachytherapy seed of  claim 69 , wherein the small molecule drug is selected from the group consisting of paclitaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil. 
     
     
         71 . The brachytherapy seed of  claim 69 , wherein the radiosensitizing agent is selected from the group consisting of tirapazamine, BUdR, IUdR, and etanidazole. 
     
     
         72 . The brachytherapy seed of  claim 61 , wherein the brachytherapy seed is formed of a biodegradable radiopaque polymer. 
     
     
         73 . The brachytherapy seed of  claim 61  wherein the brachytherapy seed comprises a biodegradable radiopaque marker.