Abstract: To provide versatile radioactive implants and methods of radiation therapy, plating methods such sputtering, as are used to coat single elements such as microspheres, wires and ribbons with radioactive metals, protective layers and identification layers. The resulting solid, radioactive, multilayered seamless elements are implanted individually or combined in intercavity applicators, with fabrics and in ribbons. Because they have selected half-lives and intensities, they provide flexibility in treatment, permitting low intensity or high intensity treatment using temporary or permanent implants and implants with high intensity or low intensity or contoured intensity to permit different therapies.

Abstract: A stopper for holding one part of a surgical needle assembly approximately fixed relative to another part includes a planar rectangular body having two opposing faces, and a protrusion that extends away from the body. Each face typically includes a central depression configured for gripping by a finger or thumb. A needle assembly, for use with the stopper of the present invention, typically includes a hollow needle with a gripping member mounted on its proximal end, and a push rod configured to slidingly engage the hollow needle. The stopper is typically configured to fit snugly between the gripping member and the push rod to prevent movement of the push rod relative to the hollow needle during use.

Abstract: A radioactive seed which discloses the orientation and the location of the seed when the seed is exposed to X-ray photography is provided. The seed contains multiple X-ray detectable markers which will disclose the orientation and the location of the seed when the seed is exposed to X-ray photography. The seed can also have a single marker which wraps around the external surface of the seed or wraps around a carrier body within the seed. The single marker will also disclose the orientation as well as the location of the seed.

Abstract: Radioactive sources, preferably radioactive seeds, for use in brachytherapy comprising a radioisotope within a sealed biocompatible container, wherein at least one part of a surface of the container is roughened, shaped or otherwise treated so that it is no longer smooth. The surface treatment may enhance the ultrasound visibility of the source and/or reduce the tendency of the source to migrate once implanted in a patient's body. Preferred radioisotopes are palladium-103 and iodine-125.

Abstract: A cartridge is configured to be inserted into a medical instrument for treating patients with radioactive seeds. The cartridge includes a rotating internal barrel that is loaded with a plurality of seeds, where the internal barrel has a plurality of conduits for accepting the seeds. As the internal barrel rotates, a seed from one of the conduits is deposited into a shuttle, and then the shuttle is fully extended so as to provide the seed to the medical instrument. The shuttle is then retracted, and the barrel is rotated to the next conduit, so as to receive a seed from that next conduit. The cartridge includes a first shield and a second shield, each having slots where the slots of the first and second shields are aligned in a first verification or calibration mode, and where the slots are not aligned in a normal, seed depositing mode. The second shield also includes a plurality of numeric indicators that indicate a current number of seeds remaining in the cartridge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending a longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore and is selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative the needle from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position wherein the plunger is advanced through the needle bore to eject at least one of the seeds through the bore, out of the distal end of needle and into the target area. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: Therapeutic sources for use in the practice of brachytherapy are fabricated from radioactive composites of a radioactive powder of palladium-103, yttrium-90, phosphorus-32 or gold-198 and a biocompatible polymeric matrix. The particles of radioactive powder are dispersed within the polymer essentially randomly throughout a particular volume. The polymeric matrix is desirably manufactured with preselected flexibility suitable to its intended use, e.g. in the form of a rod, hollow rod, suture, film, sheet, or microspheroidal particles. The radioactive composites produce therapeutic sources which generate a radiation field that is substantially uniform in all directions. The therapeutic source may assembled from the radioactive composite during a medical procedure to emit the desired amount of therapeutic radiation. Optionally, the polymer is selected to dissolve or degrade in the body at a predetermined rate, the rate chosen depending upon the half life of the radioisotope used in the therapeutic source.

Abstract: The loading apparatus includes a tray assembly which receives radioactive seeds and spacer elements from containers thereof. The seeds and spacers move into a receiving portion of the apparatus. Guide wall assemblies are located between the wells in the tray assembly and a funnel opening which extends through the tray assembly at the front end thereof. Positioned beneath the funnel opening and removably attached to the tray assembly is a visualization and positioning assembly which has a vertical slot therein for receiving seeds and spacers. The seeds and spacers move by gravity through the funnel opening into the slot. A portion of the visualization assembly is transparent, permitting a visual inspection of the seed/spacer lineup in the slot. A control element at the lower end of the visualization assembly releases the seeds and spacers from the visualization member into a hollow needle located therebelow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for handling a solution. The apparatus comprises a housing and a vial assembly positioned within an enclosure of the housing. The vial assembly maintains at least one vial within the enclosure of the housing. A valve manifold extends within the enclosure of the housing for connection to the vial. A rotation mechanism, also extending within the enclosure of the housing, is operatively connected to the vial assembly for rotating the vial assembly.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient by positioning an implant within a patient, delivering a first therapeutic modality from the implant to the patient, and activating the implant to deliver a second therapeutic modality to the patient, such as by exposing the implant to a magnetic field, is provided. The implant preferably includes a ferromagnetic core, such as a palladium-cobalt alloy. The implant may also include an isotope layer, and an outer layer substantially covering the isotope layer. In one application, the implant enables thermal ablation following unsuccessful brachytherapy, such as in the prostate.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include a carrier structure bearing a radioactive isotope and a radiopaque marker. According to several embodiments, the seeds include a central plug provided with an axial marker and a relatively transverse bore extending through the marker. A second marker may be positioned in the bore, thereby distinguishing a seed provided with the second marker relative to a seed not provided with the second marker. According to another embodiment, the isotope is deposited on the outer surface of a hollow radiolucent tube. A biologically-compatible, radiolucent, surface-sealing layer seals the external surface of the tube. A radiopaque marker wire of selected length is positioned in the hollow of the tube. Seeds may be distinguished from one another by providing seeds with marker wires of different lengths.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of radioactive seeds or encapsulated seeds having ends with projections or indentations connected by a polymer. The seed strand is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbable in living tissue.

Abstract: An implantable radiation therapy device includes a biocompatible radiotranslucent outer capsule containing a radiation shielding element and a radioactive isotope at least partially shielded by the shielding element. When the device is at or below body temperature, radiation is prevented or limited from being transmitted through the outer capsule by the shielding element. When non-ambient energy is applied to the device, the shielding element and radioactive isotope are reconfigured such that an increased level of radiation is transmitted through the outer capsule and emitted by the device.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of tubular shaped, hollow radioactive seeds with a bore. The seed strand as assembled with a material provided in the bore and between the spaced seeds is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbable in living tissue.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient by positioning an implant within a patient, delivering a first therapeutic modality from the implant to the patient, and activating the implant to deliver a second therapeutic modality to the patient, such as by exposing the implant to a magnetic field, is provided. The implant preferably includes a ferromagnetic core, such as a palladium-cobalt alloy. The implant may also include an isotope layer, and an outer layer substantially covering the isotope layer. In one application, the implant enables thermal ablation following unsuccessful brachytherapy, such as in the prostate.

Abstract: A grid sheath that holds a medical instrument in place in order to insert treatment seeds into a patient. The grid sheath includes a sheath unit in which the medical instrument is fitted therein, whereby the medical instrument is capable of sliding movement within the sheath unit. The grid sheath also includes at least one plate support rod, which is preferably adjustable and that is integral with a distal end of the sheath unit. The grid sheath further includes a push plate, that is integral with a distal end of the plate support rod. When the medical instrument is placed in position with respect to a grid template, the medical instrument is engaged with a needle in a hole of the grid template, and the push plate rests against a distal surface of the grid template.

Abstract: A radioactive seed which discloses the orientation and the location of the seed when the seed is exposed to X-ray photography is provided. The seed contains multiple X-ray detectable markers which will disclose the orientation and the location of the seed when the seed is exposed to X-ray photography. The seed can also have a single marker which wraps around the external surface of the seed or wraps around a carrier body within the seed. The single marker will also disclose the orientation as well as the location of the seed.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include one or more carrier structures each carrying a radioactive isotope, a ceramic spacer or collar member, a metal ring about the ceramic member, and a capsule formed from two tubular parts, each part including a closed end, an open end, and an interior. The open ends of the capsule abut the metal ring and are preferably welded thereto to form a generally uniform capsule wall such that the carrier structure(s) and ceramic member are contained in the interior of the capsule. The ceramic spacer preferably is hollow and a radiopaque or MRI-visible marker extends therethrough. Each of the embodiments is designed to provide a substantially isotropic distribution of radiation.

Abstract: A targeting fixture allows for x-y movement of a targeting fixture with respect to a grid template. The targeting fixture includes a cradle unit, which accepts a seed implanting device. The cradle unit is hingedly connected to a housing surrounding the grid template. The housing is capable of x-y movement by actuation of x-y knobs provided on the housing.

Abstract: An implantable cancer therapy device includes adjacent segments of a radioactive therapeutic and an adjunctive therapeutic. The segments of radioactive therapeutic and adjunctive therapeutic can be alternatively disposed in a predetermined spatial array. The implantation can be permanent or temporary. The device can be a substantially cylindrical filament or plurality of spaced radioactive seed overlaid with an adjunctive therapeutic. The device can also be a monofilament comprising an adjunctive therapeutic, the monofilament having spaced depressions for indicating length and facilitating cutting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for loading radioactive brachytherapy seeds into a seed cartridge for use with an applicator. Embodiments of the apparatus according to the present invention may include a number of contact points of a size and shape designed to conform to the main body of a brachytherapy seed. The apparatus may hold the seeds until the seeds are placed within a channel of the seed cartridge, at which point the seeds may be released from the contact sites by the application of a force to the seeds or by some other mechanism. The apparatus may be made from a flexible material so that the seeds may be released by the application of a tension force. According to embodiments of the method of loading the seed cartridge, seeds in the loader may be positioned in relation to the body of the loading apparatus and the ends of the seeds may be aligned with the channel of the seed cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for visually verifying the quantity of seeds and spacers in a brachythereapy needle. In a first embodiment, the needle is pointed upwardly and seeds and spacers slide from a lumen of the needle, under the influence of gravity, into the lumen of a clear tube that is positioned in axial alignment with the lumen of the needle by a hub. In a second embodiment, the needle is received within the lumen of the clear tube and a stylet is used to push a string of bone wax, seeds, and spacers from the lumen of the needle into the lumen of the clear tube for visual verification. A plunger rod is introduced into the proximal end of the clear tube to push the string back into the needle and the clear tube and plunger are removed to enable use of the needle. In both embodiments, the plunger rod is fully inserted into the clear tube during shipment to prevent unwanted displacement of the seeds and spacers from the needle.

Abstract: The loading apparatus includes a tray assembly which receives radioactive seeds and spacer elements from containers thereof. The seeds and spacers move into a receiving portion of the apparatus. Guide wall assemblies are located between the wells in the tray assembly and a funnel opening which extends through the tray assembly at the front end thereof. Positioned beneath the funnel opening and removably attached to the tray assembly is a visualization and positioning assembly which has a vertical slot therein for receiving seeds and spacers. The seeds and spacers move by gravity through the funnel opening into the slot. A portion of the visualization assembly is transparent, permitting a visual inspection of the seed/spacer lineup in the slot. A control element at the lower end of the visualization assembly releases the seeds and spacers from the visualization member into a hollow needle located therebelow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal and to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore and is selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative the needle from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position wherein the plunger is advanced through the needle bore to eject at least one of the seeds through the bore, out of the distal end of needle and into the target area. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: A flexible source wire is provided containing a radioactive source that is capable of maneuvering through a tortuous narrow passage to a treatment site within the body. This source wire includes a thin flexible housing tube, housing therein a flexible backbone wire, wherein both the tube and the wire are constructed from a material exhibiting little or no memory retention when bent. A radioactive core is provided in the proximal end (i.e., the treatment end) of the thin flexible housing tube and abuts the proximal end of the backbone wire. Both ends of the source wire are sealed and the proximal end of the source wire is rounded to allow ease of movement as it travels through the bends and turns in the body.

Abstract: A radioactive seed which discloses the orientation and the location of the seed when the seed is exposed to X-ray photography is provided. The seed contains multiple X-ray detectable markers which will disclose the orientation and the location of the seed when the seed is exposed to X-ray photography. The seed can also have a single marker which wraps around the external surface of the seed or wraps around a carrier body within the seed. The single marker will also disclose the orientation as well as the location of the seed.

Abstract: A unidummy intravascular radiotherapy source ribbon assembly is utilized to properly align radioactive seeds in a radioactive intravascular radiotherapy source ribbon assembly to control the dose rate profile such that only the proper tissue is irradiated. The source ribbon assembly includes a core comprising one or more sections having a first radiopacity and one or more sections having a second radiopacity.

Abstract: Implantable seeds, comprising rod-shaped ferromagnetic elements with end caps that contain radioactive pellets, designed for,delivering both thermal radiation and ionizing radiation for treatment of tumorous tissue are described. The implantable seeds can also contain additional radioactive pellets positioned in hollow tubular sleeves that connect a series of ferromagnetic elements. The ferromagnetic material may be a palladium-cobalt (Pd—Co) alloy with a Curie temperature between about 40 C. and 100 C., and the end caps and tubular sleeves may be made of titanium. Alternatively, the ferromagentic elements may comprise rods with longitudinal channels in their outer surfaces, into which radioactive sources are positioned. This assembly is held together by an outer tubular sleeve or coating. The radioactive pellets comprise either palladium-103 or iodine-125. Methods of making the seeds and of delivering treatment to a patient are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore and is selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative the needle from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position wherein the plunger is advanced through the needle bore eject at least one of the seeds through the bore, out of the distal end of needle and into the target area. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: A method of removing lesions by implanting a radioactive seed at the location of the lesion, locating the lesion with the radioactive seed, and removing the lesion with the radioactive seed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new radioactive iodine-125 miniature radiation sources (seeds) comprising a radioactive carrier matrix which consists of a porous and mechanically stable inorganic material, the pores of which contain inorganic insoluble iodide-125, and which is enclosed within a capsule made of a corrosion-resistent and body-compatible material or which is coated with such a material. The iodine seeds according to the present invention further may contain (a) usual X-ray marker(s). Another object of the present invention are methods for manufacturing said novel iodine-125 seeds.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include one or more carrier structures each carrying a radioactive isotope, a ceramic spacer or collar member, a metal ring about the ceramic member, and a capsule formed from two tubular parts, each part including a closed end, an open end, and an interior. The open ends of the capsule abut the metal ring and are preferably welded thereto to form a generally uniform capsule wall such that the carrier structure(s) and ceramic member are contained in the interior of the capsule. The ceramic spacer preferably is hollow and a radiopaque or MRI-visible marker extends therethrough. Each of the embodiments is designed to provide a substantially isotropic distribution of radiation.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include a carrier structure bearing a radioactive isotope and a radiopaque marker. According to several embodiments, the seeds include a central plug provided with an axial marker and a relatively transverse bore extending through the marker. A second marker may be positioned in the bore, thereby distinguishing a seed provided with the second marker relative to a seed not provided with the second marker. According to another embodiment, the isotope is deposited on the outer surface of a hollow radiolucent tube. A biologically-compatible, radiolucent, surface-sealing layer seals the external surface of the tube. A radiopaque marker wire of selected length is positioned in the hollow of the tube. Seeds may be distinguished from one another by providing seeds with marker wires of different lengths.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include one or more carrier structures each carrying a radioactive isotope, a ceramic spacer or collar member, a metal ring about the ceramic member, and a capsule formed from two tubular parts, each part including a closed end, an open end, and an interior. The open ends of the capsule abut the metal ring and are preferably welded thereto to form a generally uniform capsule wall such that the carrier structure(s) and ceramic member are contained in the interior of the capsule. The ceramic spacer preferably is hollow and a radiopaque or MRI-visible marker extends therethrough. Each of the embodiments is designed to provide a substantially isotropic distribution of radiation.

Abstract: An implantable radiation therapy device includes a biocompatible radiotranslucent outer capsule containing a radiation shielding element and a radioactive isotope at least partially shielded by the shielding element. When the device is at or below body temperature, radiation is prevented or limited from being transmitted through the outer capsule by the shielding element. When non-ambient energy is applied to the device, the shielding element and radioactive isotope are reconfigured such that an increased level of radiation is transmitted through the outer capsule and emitted by the device.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting needle cartridges containing radioactive materials used for medical procedures is disclosed. Such needle cartridges may include a radioactive shielding material which contains a portion of the radioactivity emitted by the radioactive material. The container of the present invention has an upper portion and a lower portion, and at least one of the portions includes a radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate shielding materials. Needle cartridges containing radioactive material are placed within the container for storage and shipping. The container secures the needle cartridges against lateral movement within the container to protect them from breakage or release of the radioactive materials contained in the needle cartridges. The radiation shielding material of the lower portion of the container may cooperate with the radiation shielding material of the device to container more of the emitted radiation that is contained by the device alone.

Abstract: A radioactive or activatable seed for use in brachytherapy, and a method for producing the seed, the seed comprising a closed and self-supported casing consisting of (a) a radioactive or activatable metallic material selected from the group consisting of a metal, an alloy and a metal composite or mixtures thereof, optionally in combination with (b) a non-radioactive, non-activatable metallic material; wherein (a) comprises a radioactive nuclide selected from the group consisting of Pd-103, Tm-170, Sr-90, Y-90, Yb-169, P-32, Ge-71, Se-75, Cl-36, Ta-182, Tl-204, Re-188, W-188, Ce-144, Pr-144, Sn-123, Ru-106, Rh-106 and mixtures thereof, and/or an activatable precursor nuclide thereof selected from the group consisting of Pd-102, Rh-103, Tm-169, Y-89, Yb-168, P-31, Ge-70, Se-74, Cl-35, Ta-181, Tl-203, W-186, Sn-122 and mixtures thereof, excluding metallic Pd with natural abundance of Pd-102.

Abstract: The spacer element (10) includes a central portion (16) and two end portions (18, 20). The spacer element is generally cylindrical in configuration and the two end sections are adapted to receive and hold a portion of radioactive seed elements (12, 14). The spacer element comprises two half-portions (22, 24) joined by a hinge element (26) positioned along a longitudinal edge of the spacer element. The two half-portions rotate about the longitudinal hinge element, moving from an open position, in which the radioactive seeds can be loaded by an operator into the spacer element, to a closed position, in which the radioactive seeds are held in the spacer element. A plurality of seeds and spacers can thus be conveniently assembled into a series string thereof for loading into a needle and subsequent insertion into the prostate.

Abstract: Determining the locations of therapeutic seeds implanted in a body part by distinguishing the therapeutic seeds from the body part by imposing physical changes on the therapeutic seeds and sensing these physical changes in the therapeutic seeds. In one form of the invention, the therapeutic seeds are partially ferromagnetic and are caused to vibrate by a magnetic field and the vibrating therapeutic seeds are identified by reflections of ultrasonic signals transmitted to the therapeutic seeds.

Abstract: A low attenuation radioactive seed utilizing a core having a fluted or non-circular cross section is utilized for increasing the dose rate, decreasing the dwell times and improving the clinical outcomes by increasing the dose consistency throughout the treatment zone. The fluted or non-circular cross section core would increase the surface area for the deposition of the radioactive substance thereby increasing the therapeutic efficacy of the seed. In addition, the fluted or non-circular cross section may be designed in a manner to reduce photon emission attenuation by reducing the distance an inwardly directed photon would have to travel to traverse the core.

Abstract: A system and method of treating an affected region of diseased tissue in a patient is described. A plurality of first radioactive seeds and a plurality of second radioactive seeds are implanted in the affected region. The first radioactive seeds each have one or more X-ray detectable markers providing a first X-ray detectable signature and the second radioactive seeds have one or more X-ray detectable markers providing a second X-ray detectable signature. An X-ray image of the affected region, including the first and second radioactive seeds implanted therein, provides representations of the first and second X-ray signatures which are visibly distinguishable. Representations of the first X-ray signature may then be associated with implanted seeds having a radioisotope source or dosage of the first radioactive seeds and representations of the second X-ray signature may then be associated with implanted seeds having a radioisotope source or dosage of the second radioactive seeds.

Abstract: A placement plan is developed for the placement of radioactive seeds in a prostrate for brachytherapy. The placement plan is made available to an intraoperative tracking interface which also shows a live ultrasound image of the needle or catheter placement in the prostate. The difference in the x-y plane between the planned and actual locations of the needle or catheter is calculated, and from that difference, the error in position of each seed is calculated. The seeds are moved, or the operator changes the number of seeds, and the dose is recalculated. A small column of ultrasound images is taken, and each seed located in the column of images is given a confidence level. If the confidence level exceeds a threshold set by the operator, the dosimetry is recalculated. Periodically throughout the seed placement, fluoroscopic x-rays are taken, and the seed coordinates are matched to the x-ray image.

Abstract: A radiotheraputical source of Rhenium188 comprises metallic Tungsten188 or a metal oxide of Tungsten188. Therapeutic device using Rhenium188 comprise a radioactive source for the in situ generation of Rhenium188 from Tungsten188.

Abstract: Novel radioactive seeds for brachytherapy and a reproducible method of manufacturing the seeds is described, wherein the seeds contain either Pd-103 or I-125 disposed within a cured resin matrix.

Abstract: The invention concerns a radio-labeled antithrombogenic polymer and its use as part of therapeutic means to prevent excessive cell proliferation or scarring, and means which comprise the radiolabeled antithrombogenic polymer, such as emplastrum or artificial implants with a biocompatible coating.

Abstract: An irradiation vessel is made from such material and in such form that it can also be used as administration vessel of a medicine contained therein, this medicine first being irradiated with neutrons in a nuclear reactor and subsequently being administered as radioactive medicine to a patient without the medicine having to be moved outside the vessel intermediately. To prevent additional handling operations, with the risk of contamination of the medicine, higher radiation doses to personnel and radioactive contamination of the environment when vessels are used in which the irradiation and administration take place separately, a vessel has been developed which allows a medicine to be irradiated and to be directly administered to the patient thereafter via an external carrier liquid.

Abstract: A targeting fixture allows for x-y movement of a targeting fixture with respect to a grid template. The targeting fixture includes a cradle unit, which accepts a seed implanting device. The cradle unit is hingedly connected to a housing surrounding the grid template. The housing is capable of x-y movement by actuation of x-y knobs provided on the housing.

Abstract: An implantable fiducial marker having a sealed cavity for the introduction of an imaging agent that provides imaging capability in several modes, including Computed Tomographic imaging (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is disclosed. The marker may be permanent, or it may be temporary and readily detachable from its anchor site. Combinations or agents imageable under CT scanning are combined with agents imageable under MRI scanning.

Abstract: A COX-2 selective inhibiting drug is disclosed as useful in treating or preventing prostate cancer. The compound is used alone or in combination with other drugs.

Abstract: The invention relates to radioactive ruthenium sources with a dosage rate of at least 1.5 Gy/min at a distance (water) of 2 mm, consisting of an activity carrier and an encapsulation of the carrier made of a material compatible with the human body. A multilayer system made of metals and/or alloys is galvanically applied on the carrier. At least two layers in said system are made of ruthenium 106 and inactive intermediate layers made of other metals or alloys are provided between the radioactive ruthenium layers. The activity carrier is encapsulated with a material compatible with the human body, for instance a metal or a plastic material. Encapsulation can be carried out by filing a capsule and subsequently sealing or galvanically depositing a top layer made, for instance of hard gold.