METHODS FOR TREATING TUMORS USING NEUTRON THERAPY

摘要

The invention described herein is a method of treating a subject having a disorder characterized by the presence of one or more tumors (24) including inserting a miniaturized, concentrated neutron emitting source (34) into a tumor or tumors (24) for a time sufficient to irradiate the cells of the tumor(s). The inventive method can be employed in the treatment of either malignant or benign tumors (24) and is especially useful in the treatment of malignant tumors (24) found in the brain, prostate, or other internal organs. A preferred neutron source is californium-252. The majority of the tumor (24) can be surgically removed prior to insertion of the neutron emitting source (34). The source wire (34) is surrounded by a capsule (38) inside a hollow catheter (32) with a guide wire (36). The entire unit is called a brachytherapy device (30), and three of them are shown in the figure, though the number may vary. In a further embodiment of the invention, a neutron capture compound can be localized to the cells of the tumor (24) prior to insertion of the miniaturized neutron emitting source in order to augment the effects of neutron therapy.