Abstract: The present invention is directed to instruments and instrumental techniques for locating cancer cells in lymph nodes which utilize a radiation detector operatively connected to an ultrasound probe for locating the exact position of radiation tagged tissue, particularly in sentinel lymph nodes followed by placement of a biopsy device. Also described are unique new interoperative radiation detection probes for use in these techniques which include structure for placement of a biopsy device or biopsy needle into the located lymph node and procedures for removal of small portions of detected radiation emitting sentinel lymph nodes for evaluation in a pathology laboratory by measurement of expressed genes located in the removed tissue. The instruments and instrumental techniques also facilitate the subsequent delivery of materials to reverse the unfavorable immune response or environment conducive for metastasis in the sentinel lymph node once cancer cells are located therein.

Abstract: A device for locating radiopharmaceutical labeled diseased or malfunctioning candidate cells within a human body and a method for using the device. The method includes the labeling of target cells in a body with a radionuclide and the identification in situ of the candidate cells using a body insertable nuclear probe sensitive to the presence of the radionuclide label. More particularly, the invention relates to using a beta or gamma probe to locate labeled cells, also referred to as candidate cells while simultaneously generating an MRI image and/or a visual image. The device may also include attachments to the distal tip if the probe which allows the position of the tip within the body to be tracked and recorded or the aperture to be varied in size.