Electrode-Driven Local Drug Delivery with Combined Radiotherapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional drug delivery and radiotherapy techniques face limitations in effectively targeting and treating perfusion-limited tissues like solid tumors due to dense stromal environments and poor vascularization, leading to reduced drug exposure and systemic toxicity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a localized electric field generated by source and counter electrodes to deliver therapeutic agents directly to target sites, combined with radiotherapy, enhancing penetration and minimizing systemic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional drug delivery methods (oral, intravenous, intramuscular) are used, then systemic delivery of therapeutic agents is achieved, but localized targeting to specific internal body tissues is not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a localized electric field generated by source and counter electrodes to deliver therapeutic agents specifically to a target site in body tissue. This creates a localized delivery zone that concentrates the drug at the tumor site while minimizing systemic distribution, thereby reducing systemic toxicity while maintaining effective drug exposure at the target.
2Reliability
If traditional radiotherapy is used, then ionizing radiation is applied to disrupt tissue growth, but free radical formation is reduced in hypoxic solid tumors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the tumor microenvironment through localized electric field application, which alters oxygenation parameters and enhances free radical formation. This transforms the hypoxic condition into a more favorable state for radiotherapy, improving the reliability of treatment while reducing the harmful effect of hypoxia-induced resistance.
3Reliability
If radiosensitizers are administered systemically, then tissue susceptibility to radiation is increased, but diffusion limitations and systemic toxicity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical diffusion-based delivery system with an electric field-based delivery system. Instead of relying on passive diffusion to transport radiosensitizers to the tumor site, the localized electric field actively transports the agents directly to the target, overcoming diffusion limitations while simplifying the delivery mechanism and reducing systemic toxicity.
4Quantity of substance
If dense stromal environments and poor vascularization are present in solid tumors, then diffusion of therapeutic agents is impeded, but traditional delivery methods cannot overcome this
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electric field as an intermediary mechanism to overcome the stromal barrier effects. The localized electric field acts as a mediator that facilitates the transport of therapeutic agents through the dense stromal environment and poor vascularization, enabling effective drug penetration into the tumor without relying on conventional diffusion pathways.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables highly targeted and efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to specific internal body tissues, synergistically improving treatment efficacy while reducing harm to non-targeted tissues.
Implementation Method 1
disposing a source electrode proximate to a target site of body tissue in vivo; disposing a counter electrode in electrical communication with the source electrode, the counter electrode being configured to cooperate with the source electrode to form a localized electric field proximate to the target site
Implementation Method 2
applying a voltage potential across the source and counter electrodes to form an electric field, thereby delivering at least a portion of the cargo to the target site
Implementation Method 3
Radiotherapy typically subjects the target tissue, either directly or indirectly, to ionizing radiation, which disrupts the growth of the tissue. In some instances, radiotherapy forms free radicals from oxygen in the tissue to destroy the target cells
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for combination therapy utilizing local drug delivery and radiotherapy at a target site of body tissue are provided. The delivery system comprises a source electrode adapted to be positioned proximate to a target site of internal body tissue. A counter electrode is in electrical communication with the source electrode, and is configured to cooperate with the source electrode to form a localized electric field proximate to the target site. A cargo may be delivered to the target site when exposed to the localized electric field. Radiotherapy is applied to the target site in combination with the local drug delivery.