Abstract: A multi-arm, star-shaped polymer composition can be configured for drug delivery and imaging applications in vivo. The star polymer architecture can be synthesized using living radical polymerization techniques, including reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer and macromolecular design via the interchange of xanthates with a broad range of reaction conditions and functional groups. The star-shaped polymeric carriers can be tailored for preferential delivery of chemotherapeutics into the tumor-draining lymphatics via subcutaneous, peritumoral or intratumoral injections. The carriers can be loaded with the chemotherapeutic agents from about 10% to about 25% w/w. In addition, the carriers can be loaded with imaging agents from about 5% to about 10% w/w. The molecular weights of the polymeric carriers can be about 40 kDa to about 130 kDa. The chemotherapeutics can be cisplatin, geldanamycin or nitric oxide-donating prodrugs. The imaging agent can be a near-infrared dye, such as IR820.