Nano-particle Gel Formulation for Tumor Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cancer treatment methods, particularly radiotherapy, face challenges in accurately tracking tumor movement due to unpredictable tissue and tumor movement during treatment, which is exacerbated by the complexity and risk of traditional marker insertion procedures.
Innovation Solution
Development of a formulation comprising nano-sized solid inorganic particles and a low-viscosity gel-forming system for easy parenteral administration, which becomes more viscous post-injection, allowing for precise imaging and serving as a marker for tumor tracking during radiotherapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional markers are inserted using long and thick needles, then markers can be implanted in or adjacent to the tumor, but the procedure becomes complicated with significant risk of complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the marker delivery system by using a syringe with a thin needle (25-30 gauge) instead of long and thick needles. The formulation is designed to be injectable through these thin needles, transforming the delivery method from surgical implantation to minimally invasive injection, thereby reducing procedure complexity and complications while maintaining marker implantation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite formulation consisting of gelatin nanoparticles (10-500 nm) suspended in a low-viscosity gel system (sodium alginate and calcium chloride). This composite structure allows the markers to be delivered through thin needles while the gel matrix provides stability and controlled release, resolving the contradiction between easy administration and effective marker function
2Measurement precision
If markers are used for tracking tumor movement, then tumor position can be monitored during radiotherapy, but the markers must remain stable and visible for extended periods (at least 4 weeks)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs gelatin-based nanoparticles as the marker core, which are inherently biocompatible and biodegradable, combined with a gel matrix system that provides structural stability. This composite approach ensures the markers remain visible and stable for at least 4 weeks while being safe for prolonged in vivo use, satisfying both the precision tracking requirement and the extended duration requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances the local quality of the marker by incorporating radio-opaque materials or contrast agents within the gelatin nanoparticle structure, making them visible on X-ray and CT imaging modalities. This localized enhancement ensures continuous visibility for tumor tracking throughout the radiotherapy course without compromising the overall marker stability
3Reliability
If a gel-forming system is used for marker delivery, then the formulation becomes more viscous post-injection for stable marker placement, but the initial viscosity must be low for easy parenteral administration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a sol-gel phase transition mechanism where the formulation is injected as a low-viscosity sol (easy administration) and then transforms into a gel structure with higher viscosity (stable marker placement) at the injection site. This phase transition is triggered by physiological conditions such as temperature or pH changes, resolving the contradiction between ease of injection and post-injection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the gel system with tunable rheological parameters, using natural polymers like sodium alginate and calcium chloride that can adjust viscosity based on concentration and ionic strength. This allows the formulation to have low viscosity for injection through thin needles while achieving high viscosity and gel structure for stable marker retention at the target site
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
The formulation enables accurate tracking of tumor movement and precise delivery of radiation by providing a well-defined assembly of solid particles visible under X-ray imaging, thereby improving the accuracy of radiotherapy and reducing procedural complications.
Implementation Method 1
an organic gel-forming system
Implementation Method 2
be visible on several image modalities; be visible for an extended period (e.g., at least 4 weeks)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to novel formulations comprising a plurality of nano-sized solid particles and a gel-forming system, useful, e.g. for imaging of the body of a mammal. Also described are kits comprising such formulations and imaging methods utilizing such formulations or kits.