Swellable Microspheres for Active Embolization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for angiogenesis-dependent diseases such as cancer and uterine fibroids are limited by toxicity, side effects, and inefficiency, particularly in addressing local recurrence and distant metastasis, with existing embolization methods being either passive or ineffective in targeting tumor vasculature.
Innovation Solution
Development of bioactive therapeutic compositions comprising microspheres coated with or containing therapeutic factors and transfection agents, which are designed to embolize blood vessels and deliver therapeutic agents directly to tumors, inhibiting angiogenesis and occluding blood supply to tumor tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If passive embolization methods are used to block tumor blood vessels, then blood supply to tumor is reduced, but therapeutic agents are not effectively delivered to the tumor site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines embolization material with therapeutic agents into a single composite formulation. The embolization material serves dual functions: occluding tumor blood vessels and delivering therapeutic agents directly to the tumor site, thereby merging two previously separate functions into one integrated treatment approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The embolization material acts as an intermediary carrier that facilitates the delivery of therapeutic agents to the tumor. By incorporating therapeutic agents within or onto the embolization material, the system uses the embolization material as a vector to transport therapeutic substances from the injection site to the tumor, overcoming the limitation of passive embolization that cannot deliver therapeutic agents effectively.
2Reliability
If cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation therapy are used to treat cancer, then tumor cells are killed, but normal tissues are damaged and life-threatening side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by delivering therapeutic agents specifically to the tumor site through the embolization material, which is deposited in the tumor's blood vessels. This localized delivery concentrationates the therapeutic effect at the tumor while minimizing exposure to normal tissues, thereby reducing toxicity and side effects compared to systemic chemotherapy and radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The embolization material serves itself by simultaneously performing the functions of blood vessel occlusion and therapeutic agent delivery. The therapeutic agents are incorporated within or onto the embolization material during the same procedure, allowing the embolization material to self-deliver the therapeutic payload to the tumor without requiring separate administration of chemotherapeutic drugs that would affect normal tissues.
3Reliability
If surgical resection is performed to remove localized cancer, then tumor is removed, but local recurrence occurs due to residual disease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by delivering therapeutic agents to the tumor site before and during the surgical resection procedure. The embolization material with incorporated therapeutic agents is injected into the tumor's blood vessels prior to surgery, pre-treating the tumor and killing residual cells that might survive the surgical resection, thereby reducing the risk of local recurrence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining therapeutic presence at the tumor site through the embolization material that releases therapeutic agents over time. The embolization material remains at the tumor site after injection, continuously delivering therapeutic agents to kill residual tumor cells, thereby extending the therapeutic action beyond the surgical procedure and improving local disease control.
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 solution effectively targets and occludes tumor blood vessels, reducing tumor growth and recurrence by delivering therapeutic agents directly to the tumor site, minimizing side effects on normal tissues and improving treatment efficacy for angiogenesis-dependent diseases.
Implementation Method 1
microspheres for active embolization... designed to embolize blood vessels and deliver therapeutic agents directly to tumors
Implementation Method 2
inhibiting angiogenesis and occluding blood supply to tumor tissues... reducing tumor growth and recurrence
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to injectable compositions comprising biocompatible, swellable, substantially hydrophilic, non-toxic and substantially spherical polymeric material carriers which are capable of efficiently delivering bioactive therapeutic factor(s) for use in embolization drug therapy. The present invention further relates to methods of embolization gene therapy, particularly for the treatment of angiogenic and non-angiogenic-dependent diseases, using the injectable compositions.