Nano-scale contrast agents and methods of use

摘要

Compositions and methods are disclosed for evaluating a subject's vasculature integrity, for differentiating between a malignant lesion and a benign lesion, for evaluating the accessibility of a tumor to nano-sized therapeutics, for treating tumors, and for live or real time monitoring of a nano-probe's biodistribution.

主权项

1. A method for evaluating a subject's vasculature integrity, the method comprising:
introducing a composition into the subject's vasculature, the composition comprising:
liposomes, the liposomes encapsulating one or more iodinated nonradioactive contrast-enhancing agents, and the liposomes comprising:cholesterol,at least one phospholipid, andat least one phospholipid which is derivatized with a polymer chain,wherein the average diameter of the liposomes is less than 150 nanometers; generating images of the subject's vasculature; and analyzing the images to detect a leak in the subject's vasculature, the leak in the subject's vasculature being caused by inflammation or angiogenesis, provided that the inflammation or angiogenesis excludes cancer, stroke, aneurism, healing, and trauma.