Abstract: The present invention concerns a complex comprising an active agent, a polymer and an iron oxide nanoparticle. The complex may also comprise an active agent. Also described are methods of releasing an active agent from the complex, for instance by irradiating the complex with radio waves. Also described are compositions and articles comprising the complex. Also described are methods of therapy and particularly methods of treatment of cancer involving the complex described herein. In addition, the invention concerns a polymer which is particularly useful in preparing the complex described herein. The polymer is capable of undergoing a phase change at a predetermined temperature, such as 39-42° C. In one embodiment, the polymer is a copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide, acrylic acid and acrolein. In another embodiment, the polymer is a copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide acrylamide and allyl mercaptan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an embolization particle comprising a microparticle coated with a plurality of nanoparticles, which nanoparticles comprise a metal oxide doped with one or more rare earth elements, wherein the metal oxide is titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or cerium dioxide. An embolization particle of the invention for use in the treatment of cancer in combination with X-ray radiation or proton beam radiation, or use in embolization, is also described. The invention also relates to a process for producing an embolization particle comprising a microparticle coated with a plurality of nanoparticles, which nanoparticles comprise a metal oxide doped with one or more rare earth elements, wherein the metal oxide is titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or cerium dioxide, which process comprises: (i) providing a microparticle; (ii) contacting the microparticle with a plurality of the nanoparticles; and (iii) heating the microparticle and the nanoparticles to form the embolization particle.

Abstract: The invention provides a particle comprising a metal oxide which is doped with at least one rare earth element, wherein the metal oxide is selected from titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, cerium oxide and mixtures of two or more thereof. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the particles, and to uses of the particles and composition in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an embolization particle comprising a microparticle coated with a plurality of nanoparticles, which nanoparticles comprise a metal oxide doped with one or more rare earth elements, wherein the metal oxide is titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or cerium dioxide. An embolization particle of the invention for use in the treatment of cancer in combination with X-ray radiation or proton beam radiation, or use in embolization, is also described. The invention also relates to a process for producing an embolization particle comprising a microparticle coated with a plurality of nanoparticles, which nanoparticles comprise a metal oxide doped with one or more rare earth elements, wherein the metal oxide is titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or cerium dioxide, which process comprises: (i) providing a microparticle; (ii) contacting the microparticle with a plurality of the nanoparticles; and (iii) heating the microparticle and the nanoparticles to form the embolization particle.

Abstract: The invention provides a particle comprising a metal oxide which is doped with at least one rare earth element, wherein the metal oxide is selected from titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, cerium oxide and mixtures of two or more thereof. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the particles, and to uses of the particles and composition in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer.