| abstract |
The conjugates described include a clinically useful release excipient linked to a biologically active species which acts to cause an increase in vascular permeability and an expansion of blood volume at or near the site of the tumor. The species linked to the excipient may for example be a vasoactive agent, a substance which mobilizes or amplifies a vasoactive species, a toxin, a drug, an isotope or a pharmaceutical compound. Suitable biological species are peptides, lipids, carbohydrates or their derivatives. Chemical or recombinant DNA methods for binding the species to the excipients are indicated. A therapy is described which consists in administering the vasoactive conjugate and in releasing a diagnostic agent or a therapeutic agent at an optimal time after the administration of the vasoactive conjugate, when the vascular network of the tumor is at its level d 'maximum expansion. |