Device for radiation-activated localized delivery of treatment agents

摘要

The present invention provides for a biocompatible drug delivery device for the targeted treatment of cancer that is implantable within the tumorous mass of a patient. In one embodiment, the device comprises two polarizable elements mechanically coupled by a connecting element. The device also comprises one or more cancer treatment agents. When the polarizable elements are depolarized, such as by the application of ionizing radiation, the two polarizable elements are repelled from each other and release the cancer treatment agent. In another embodiment, one or more treatment agents are expelled from a miniaturized syringe when internal pressure of the device is increased by the production of gas bubbles in response to the application of ionizing radiation.

主权项

1. A drug delivery device, comprising:
a first polarizable element coupled to a second polarizable element, the first and second polarizable elements having different electric potentials and being depolarizable in response to an applied charge neutralization element, the first and second polarizable elements being sized to be disposed within human tissue; and a treatment agent disposed between the first and second polarizable elements, the device being transitionable between a first position and a second position, wherein:
the first position includes the first and second polarizable elements being substantially parallel and in contact with each other in response to electrostatic forces generated when the first and second polarizable elements are oppositely charged; andthe second position includes the first and second polarizable elements being repelled from each other when the first and second polarizable elements at least partially carry the same charge, the treatment agent being contained within the device when the device is in the first position, and the treatment agent being at least partially released from the device when the device is in the second position.