Method of administering a therapeutically active substance

A method administering a therapeutically active component to a target tissue in a subject, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a brachytherapy seed comprising a sealed container, and a non-metal biocompatible component, and a therapeutically active component comprising a non-radioactive drug, said biocompatible component being physically associated with the therapeutically active component to form a combination product;
• and said sealed container being made of a nonbiodegradable substance, housing a radioisotope, and being at least partially coated with the combination product, wherein said brachytherapy seed having a size and shape suitable for passing through the bore of a needle having an interior diameter of less than about 2.7 millimeters (10 gauge);
• providing a brachytherapy implantation instrument comprising at least one brachytherapy implantation needle having a bore having an interior diameter of less than about 2.7 millimeters (10 gauge), and being adapted to accept the brachytherapy seed into the bore of the at least one brachytherapy implantation needle and deliver the accepted implantation device into a target tissue;
• introducing the brachytherapy seed into the bore of the at least one implantation needle of the brachytherapy implantation instrument;
• introducing at least a portion of the at least one brachytherapy implantation needle into a target tissue in the subject;
• and
• actuating the brachytherapy implantation instrument such that the brachtherapy seed is delivered through the bore of the brachytherapy implantation needle into the target tissue.