Abstract: A radiation therapy product of spherical nanoporous glass beads that are loaded with a radionuclide. Each microsphere has a diameter in the range of about 25 to 60 microns. The pore structure of each microsphere occupies between about 30 and 90 percent of the microsphere's volume, and the inner surface area measures between about 30 and 500 m2/g. One or more radionuclides is embedded in the nanopores of each microsphere. In a preferred embodiment the product has at least two radionuclides, a first radionuclide achieves a therapeutic effect and a second radionuclide has nuclear medical diagnostic properties. Preferably the therapeutic radionuclide is Y-90 and the diagnostic radionuclide is In-111, Ga-68, or Ga-67. In a preferred embodiment the radionuclides are made less soluble or insoluble in blood components to avoid leaching or washing the radionuclide away.

Abstract: Microspheres made of solid glass are used in radiation therapy, wherein the radiotherapeutic radionuclide must be generated in the glass by neutron activation. Microspheres of this type have a high radioactive load, are relatively heavy and contain additional non-therapeutic radionuclides. Additionally, radioactive microspheres made of plastic are used, which can be loaded with radionuclides by chemical means. These microspheres have a lower loading capacity, no additional radionuclides, and are lighter. The therapeutic radionuclide in both cases is Y-90. Microspheres made of nanoporous glass contain the therapeutic radionuclide, have a high loading capacity, require no neutron activation, can be parallel charged with multiple therapeutic and with diagnostic radionuclides, and are very light. It is possible to produce them in a radiochemical laboratory. Microspheres of this type can also be used diagnostically in preparation for therapy.

Abstract: Microspheres made of solid glass are used in radiation therapy, wherein the radiotherapeutic radionuclide must be generated in the glass by neutron activation. Microspheres of this type have a high radioactive load, are relatively heavy and contain additional non-therapeutic radionuclides. Additionally, radioactive microspheres made of plastic are used, which can be loaded with radionuclides by chemical means. These microspheres have a lower loading capacity, no additional radionuclides, and are lighter. The therapeutic radionuclide in both cases is Y-90. Microspheres made of nanoporous glass contain the therapeutic radionuclide, have a high loading capacity, require no neutron activation, can be parallel charged with multiple therapeutic and with diagnostic radionuclides, and are very light. It is possible to produce them in a radiochemical laboratory. Microspheres of this type can also be used diagnostically in preparation for therapy.

Abstract: A radiation therapy product of spherical nanoporous glass beads that are loaded with a radionuclide. Each microsphere has a diameter in the range of about 25 to 60 microns. The pore structure of each microsphere occupies between about 30 and 90 percent of the microsphere's volume, and the inner surface area measures between about 30 and 500 m2/g. One or more radionuclides is embedded in the nanopores of each microsphere. In a preferred embodiment the product has at least two radionuclides, a first radionuclide achieves a therapeutic effect and a second radionuclide has nuclear medical diagnostic properties. Preferably the therapeutic radionuclide is Y-90 and the diagnostic radionuclide is In-111, Ga-68, or Ga-67. In a preferred embodiment the radionuclides are made less soluble or insoluble in blood components to avoid leaching or washing the radionuclide away.

Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy are disclosed in which a cannula is introduced into the eye for delivery of radiation to a target tissue. Techniques for properly locating the cannula with respect to the target tissue, for protecting non-target tissue, for regulating heat generated by x-ray emitters, and for combining therapies are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy are disclosed in which a cannula is introduced into the eye for delivery of radiation to a target tissue. Techniques for properly locating the cannula with respect to the target tissue, for protecting non-target tissue, for regulating heat generated by x-ray emitters, and for combining therapies are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a radiation source for use in endovascular radiation treatment which comprises one or more and preferably at least two treating elements or seeds comprising a radiation emitting element and means for containment of said radiation emitting element which radiation source is characterized in that said seeds comprised in an elongated container having at least one deflection site. There is further provided an apparatus for endovascular radiation treatment comprising an elongated catheter, optionally a guide wire and the radiation source as defined above.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy are disclosed in which a cannula is introduced into the eye for delivery of radiation to a target tissue. Techniques for properly locating the cannula with respect to the target tissue, for protecting non-target tissue, for regulating heat generated by x-ray emitters, and for combining therapies are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end.

Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible, radioactive radiation source in the form of a wire or other elongated shape, comprising a matrix of a ductile and/or plastic binder material and a radioactive and/or activatable material. The elastic binder material is preferably a metal, a metal alloy, or a radiation resistant plastic material, or a mixture of these, and the radioactive material, or activatable material once activated, is a &bgr;-emitter, a &ggr;-emitter, or an x-ray emitter. The source may be contained, for example, within a tube, capsule, or coating. The flexible, radioactive radiation source may be used for intravascular radiation treatment of cancer, tumor, non-malignant cell growth, scar tissue, or to prevent restenosis.

Abstract: A radioactive or activatable seed for use in brachytherapy, and a method for producing the seed, the seed comprising a closed and self-supported casing consisting of (a) a radioactive or activatable metallic material selected from the group consisting of a metal, an alloy and a metal composite or mixtures thereof, optionally in combination with (b) a non-radioactive, non-activatable metallic material; wherein (a) comprises a radioactive nuclide selected from the group consisting of Pd-103, Tm-170, Sr-90, Y-90, Yb-169, P-32, Ge-71, Se-75, Cl-36, Ta-182, Tl-204, Re-188, W-188, Ce-144, Pr-144, Sn-123, Ru-106, Rh-106 and mixtures thereof, and/or an activatable precursor nuclide thereof selected from the group consisting of Pd-102, Rh-103, Tm-169, Y-89, Yb-168, P-31, Ge-70, Se-74, Cl-35, Ta-181, Tl-203, W-186, Sn-122 and mixtures thereof, excluding metallic Pd with natural abundance of Pd-102.