| abstract |
Disclosed are radioactivable compositions, preferably metal alloy compositions containing a metal having shape memory characteristics, and at least one radioactivable isotope comprising a lanthanide series element or mixtures of lanthanide series of elements or other suitable isotope. The radioactivable isotope is present in sufficient concentration (relative to other components of the composition) to deliver an effective radiation dose to a target tissue to achieve a specified therapeutic objective. One of the more advantageous and useful applications for this composition is the formation of medical devices for the treatment of coronary artery disease and the abatement of proliferation of cancer cells. In one of the preferred embodiments of this invention, a radioactivable isotope is incorporated, by isotopic beneficiated combination, with a matrix material such as a nickel/titanium alloy (e.g. Nitinol metal alloys), or by isotopic beneficiated combination with a biodegradable organic naturally occurring or synthetic polymer so as to form a solid solution; and, the resultant alloy or solid solution, thereafter, formed into a stent, or other suitable form, for selective and targeted delivery of therapeutic and effective amounts of low dosage forms of radiation (principally beta particles) to a specific site or tissue within the human body. |