Abstract: Methods for performing macrophage-enhanced MRI, utilizing a macrophage imaging agent, in a single imaging session are provided. The macrophage imaging agent may be an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particle. One embodiment includes administering a macrophage imaging agent to the subject during an administration session then allowing a passage of time sufficient for accumulation of the agent in macrophages of the subject. Subsequently, in a single imaging session, a macrophage-enhanced magnetic resonance image is acquired to target macrophages and a different magnetic resonance image is acquired to target physiological phenomenon other than macrophages. Additional embodiments provide methods wherein the acquisition of a different magnetic resonance image is achieved by vascular-enhanced MRI protocols or perfusion-enhanced MRI protocols, or combinations thereof. Further embodiments provide methods for utilizing acquired images in assessment of treatment of disease.

Abstract: Macrophages sequester and aggregate ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIO) in their lysosomes. The amount of USPIO loading of macrophages depends upon the route and dose of administration, and the pharmacokinetics of accumulation and removal. Both fixed macrophages and activated macrophages associated with inflammatory diseases and cancer phagocytize USPIOs, and the loaded macrophages can serve to identify the extent of a macrophage-dependent disease as well as to direct treatment options. Furthermore, the absorption of energy from incident electromagnetic waves by the aggregated nanoparticles can be used for conformal thermotherapy. The USPIOs can further be used to carry drugs to the same activated macrophages. The co-administered drugs can be bound to the USPIO by condition-dependent releasing links that are responsive to local pH or heating.

Abstract: Macrophages sequester and aggregate ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIO) in their lysosomes. The amount of USPIO loading of macrophages depends upon the route and dose of administration, and the pharmacokinetics of accumulation and removal. Both fixed macrophages and activated macrophages associated with inflammatory diseases and cancer phagocytize USPIOs, and the loaded macrophages can serve to identify the extent of a macrophage-dependent disease as well as to direct treatment options. Furthermore, the absorption of energy from incident electromagnetic waves by the aggregated nanoparticles can be used for conformal thermotherapy. The USPIOs can further be used to carry drugs to the same activated macrophages. The co-administered drugs can be bound to the USPIO by condition-dependent releasing links that are responsive to local pH or heating.

Abstract: Methods for performing macrophage-enhanced MRI, utilizing a macrophage imaging agent, in a single imaging session are provided. The macrophage imaging agent may be an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particle. One embodiment includes administering a macrophage imaging agent to the subject during an administration session then allowing a passage of time sufficient for accumulation of the agent in macrophages of the subject. Subsequently, in a single imaging session, a macrophage-enhanced magnetic resonance image is acquired to target macrophages and a different magnetic resonance image is acquired to target physiological phenomenon other than macrophages. Additional embodiments provide methods wherein the acquisition of a different magnetic resonance image is achieved by vascular-enhanced MRI protocols or perfusion-enhanced MRI protocols, or combinations thereof. Further embodiments provide methods for utilizing acquired images in assessment of treatment of disease.

Abstract: Methods for assessing stage of cancer in a subject are provided, comprising administering a macrophage imaging agent to the subject, making a magnetic resonance image of regions of the subject's body at cancer risk, and using the image to assess macrophage density and displacement associated with any primary cancer or metastatic cancer in the subject, such density and displacement being indicative of neoplasia. The macrophage imaging agent may be an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particle and in particular embodiments, the macrophage imaging agent has a blood half-life sufficient to permit microphage trapping throughout the regions at cancer risk. Additional embodiments provide methods for assessing efficacy of an anticancer treatment in a subject, methods for determining frequency of follow-up MEMRI evaluation in a subject, methods for determining metastatic potential of cancer foci in a subject, and methods for determining prognosis of cancer in a subject.

Abstract: The invention features new methods of enhanced radiation therapy based on the discovery that by using controlled combinations of (i) specific radiodense compositions, (ii) specific modes of administration of these radiodense compositions, and (iii) specific energy bands and sources of radiation, that the effect of radiation on tumors and other diseased tissues can be effectively and safely enhanced to provide significantly improved radiation therapy.

Abstract: The invention features a method for selectively ablating tumor-forming, glandular tissue in a breast by exposing the breast to microwave radiation that ablates glandular tissue while avoiding damage to the fatty tissues of the breast.

Abstract: An amphipathic polychelating compound including a hydrophilic polymeric moiety having a main backbone and a plurality of reactive side groups, a lipid-soluble anchor linked to the N terminal of the polymeric moiety, and a plurality of chelating agents linked to the side groups of the polymeric moiety. The polychelating compounds are bound to liposomes or micelles for use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging agent including a plurality of block copolymers forming a micelle, the block copolymers including a hydrophilic polymer linked to a hydrophobic polymer, and the hydrophobic polymer including a backbone incorporating radiopaque molecules via covalent bonds.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging agent including a plurality of block copolymers forming a micelle, the block copolymers including a hydrophilic polymer linked to a hydrophobic polymer, and the hydrophobic polymer including a backbone incorporating radiopaque molecules via covalent bonds.

Abstract: An amphipathic polychelating compound including a hydrophilic polymeric moiety having a main backbone and a plurality of reactive side groups, a lipid-soluble anchor linked to the N terminal of the polymeric moiety, and a plurality of chelating agents linked to the side groups of the polymeric moiety. The polychelating compounds are bound to liposomes or micelles for use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Injectable contrast agents of great clinical importance for lymphography, characterized by non-water soluble particle sizes between about 5 or 10 nm and about 500 or 900 nm, which have selective distribution to lymph nodes upon percutaneous administration and can be imaged with millimeter resolution. Also disclosed are methods for performing percutaneous lymphography using these contrast agents.

Abstract: A method of reversibly occluding a biological tube is provided as well as a related apparatus. The method includes providing an occluding member to be introduced into or around a biological tube thereby blocking flow through the tube. When it is desired to eliminate such blockage, shock wave lithotripsy or other energy is employed to fragment the occluding member and thus eliminate its blockage of the biological tube. The related occluding device comprises an occluding member having an inner core of a first rigid material encapsulated in an outer shell comprised of a flexible second material. The first will fragment when struck by shock waves. The device may be either a plug-type device or a C-shaped clamp. Alternatively, the device may be comprised of a single material which is introduced in flowable form into the tube by means of a catheter. The material then hardens to form a substantially rigid plug.

Abstract: A method of reversibly occluding a biological tube is provided as well as a related apparatus. The method includes providing an occluding member to be introduced into or around a biological tube thereby blocking flow through the tube. When it is desired to eliminate such blockage, shock wave lithotripsy or other energy is employed to fragment the occluding member and thus eliminate its blockage of the biological tube. The related occluding device comprises an occluding member having an inner core of a first rigid material encapsulated in an outer shell comprised of a flexible second material. The first will fragment when struck by shock waves. The device may be either a plug-type device or a C-shaped clamp.