Local drug delivery devices and methods for treating cancer

An implantable device for delivering paclitaxel to a tumor of a patient, comprising:

• a first film layer comprising a first polymer, the first film layer being free from paclitaxel;
• and
• a second film layer adhered to the first film layer, the second film layer comprising paclitaxel and a second polymer;
• wherein the second polymer comprises poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) and is configured to degrade within 30 and 120 days after implantation of the implantable device directly onto the tumor;
• wherein a therapeutically effective amount of the paclitaxel is released from the second film layer following a first period of from 2 days to 14 days after the implantation of the implantable device onto the tumor, wherein a sub-therapeutically effective amount of the paclitaxel or no paclitaxel is released during the first period;
• wherein the release of the paclitaxel from the second film layer is controlled solely by the in vivo degradation of the second polymer;
• and
• wherein the first and second film layers form a flexible, self-supporting structure.