ABSORBABLE BRACHYTHERAPY AND CHEMOTHERAPY DELIVERY DEVICES AND METHODS

摘要

Combination radiation delivery and chemotherapy devices comprise bioabsorbable structures with radionuclides and chemotherapeutic agents immobilized on said structures. The bioabsorbable structures have a predefined persistence period which is usually substantially greater then the half-life of the radionuclide, thus assuring that the radionuclides remain localized and sequestered at a desired target site while significant radioactivity remains. The radiation delivery and chemotherapy devices are suitable for a wide variety of medial purposes, being particularly suitable for the treatment of solid tumors by injection or open surgical introduction of the devices at a target site. Kits comprising the devices together with instructions for use are also provided.