Therapy of proliferative disorders by direct irradiation of cell nuclei with tritiated nuclear targetting agents
OwnerRobert A. Gatenbyinventor
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Abstract
The present invention provides methods of treating proliferative disorders in vivo by the direct administration of tritium to target cell nuclei. Tritium is administered to target cell nuclei by a tritiated nuclear targeting agent, which is directed to the target cell nucleus where it associates with the cell's DNA. The close association of the tritiated nuclear targeting agent with the target cell DNA allows the low-energy beta particle emitted by the tritium to damage to the target cell DNA and kill the cell. Tritiated nuclear targeting agents can also be delivered to the target cells by structures such as liposomes, micelles and microcapsules.
Claims54
A method of treating proliferative disorders, comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a subject having tissue associated with a proliferative disorder, wherein said tissue comprises target cells having DNA-containing nuclei;
- b) administering an effective amount of a tritiated nuclear targeting agent to said subject so that the target cells are exposed to the tritiated nuclear targeting agent;
- and
- c) allowing said tritiated nuclear targeting agent to be transported to the target cell nuclei such that the tritiated nuclear targeting agent associates with the target cell DNA,
- whereupon the tritiated nuclear targeting agent causes target cell death.
A sterile, pyrogen free pharmaceutical composition for treating proliferative disorders comprising a tritiated nuclear targeting agent.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.