| abstract |
A method and apparatus for delivery of genes, enzymes and biological agents to tissue cells, including a method and apparatus wherein treatment fluids, including genes, enzymes and biological agents, are injected into a target area of a body providing selective attachment to the specific target cells without affecting normal tissue cells. The method is used to treat prostate cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer, bladder cancer, stomach, lung, colon, and brain cancer, etc. A hollow core needle is inserted into a body, the needle being visually guided by a selected imaging technique. A first embodiment utilizes an endoscopic instrument, wherein a probe is inserted into the body, guided by the endoscope to the vicinity of the target area. The hollow core needle is guided to the vicinity by a channel through the probe. A needle adjustment apparatus is used to extend or retract the needle and adjust needle tip orientation toward a target area. The endoscope provides a view to an operator for adjustment of the apparatus to extend the tip of the needle into and through tissue, interstitially, to a target area for deposit of the specific treatment fluid. A non-invasive imaging technique is used either alone, or in addition to the endoscope, to give an operator a view of the needle for guiding the needle tip to the precise target area. Typical non-invasive techniques include CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, etc. |