Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of using a thiol-Michael addition hydrogel for providing intracavitary brachytherapy and/or displacing tissue and organs. The thiol-Michael addition hydrogel may be used as a packing material and an attenuation material for intracavitary brachytherapy applications. The invention also relates generally to a brachytherapy applicator, which may be used in conjunction with the thiol-Michael addition hydrogel and methods thereof. The invention also relates to a positioning device system for providing intracavitary brachytherapy treatment and a kit thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of using a thiol-Michael addition hydrogel for providing intracavitary brachytherapy and/or displacing tissue and organs. The thiol-Michael addition hydrogel may be used as a packing material and an attenuation material for intracavitary brachytherapy applications. The invention also relates generally to a brachytherapy applicator, which may be used in conjunction with the thiol-Michael addition hydrogel and methods thereof. The invention also relates to a kit comprising at least one container containing the precursor materials of the thiol-Michael addition hydrogel.

Abstract: The ion exchange resin beads have functional groups of formula I wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, m, r and q have the meanings stated in claim 1 and which have a matrix of a cross-linked polymer wherein the level of cross-linkages is decreased in the shell area is compared to the core area.These ion exchange resin beads are prepared by reacting resin beads which have primary or secondary amino groups and the mentioned matrix of a cross-linked polymer with a1) a hypophosphite salt in the presence of an acid, or a2) a hypophosphorous acid and b) formaldehyde or a formaldehyde releasing compound.