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).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 60 . (canceled) 
     
     
         61 . A method of saturating a target tissue in an animal with a predetermined amount of one or more active agents comprising (a) implanting one or more biocompatible non-radioactive seeds, each of which comprises one or more active agents and is associated with a radiopaque marker, through a needle in any desired location and/or pattern in the tissue and (b) detecting the position of the one or more seeds by conventional imaging techniques, wherein release of an effective amount of the active agent(s) over time results in a concentration of the active agent(s) in the tissue which is higher than that obtained by systemic administration of the active agent(s). 
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 61  wherein the needle has an inner diameter less than about 2.7 mm (10 gauge). 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the needle has an inner diameter of less than about 1.4 millimeters (15 gauge). 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the needle has an inner diameter of less than about 0.84 millimeters (18 gauge). 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the needle has an inner diameter of less than about 0.56 millimeters (24 gauge). 
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the seed is shaped into a rod or cylinder having a diameter of between about 0.5 to 3 millimeters and a length 4 to 10 millimeters. 
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the diameter is about 0.8 millimeters and the length is about 4.5 millimeters. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 61  wherein the seed housing is a radiopaque polymer. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 61  wherein the period of release of the active agent(s) is from about 2 weeks to about 6 months. 
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 61  wherein the radiopaque marker is dispersed throughout the seed. 
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 61  wherein the location and orientation of the seed is maintained. 
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 61  wherein the seed is administered as an adjuvant to radiation treatment. 
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 61  wherein the radiopaque marker consists of a biodegradable radiopaque polymer. 
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 61  wherein a plurality of seeds may be conjoined into a chain using a plurality of spacers to physically join together and/or control the distance between two or more seeds.