Methods and compositions for treating solid tumors

The composition of claim 23 wherein said poly(phosphoester) has the formula VIII or IX:

• 27
• wherein M1 and M2 are each independently (1) a branched or straight chain aliphatic group having from about 1-20 carbon atoms;
• or (2) a branched or straight chain, oxy-, carboxy- or amino-aliphatic group having from about 1-20 carbon atoms;
• L is a divalent, branched or straight chain aliphatic group having 1-20 carbon atoms;
• the molar ratio of x:y is about one;
• and
• the molar ratio q:r varies between about 1:99 and 99:1.

A biodegradable polymer composition suitable for intratumoral administration to treat a mammal having a thoracic tumor, said composition comprising:

• (a) paclitaxel and
• (b) a biodegradable polymer having a molecular weight between about 2 and 500 KDaltons and comprising monomeric units shown in formula XI:
• 29
• wherein the molar ratio of x:y is about 1, wherein the delay in tumor doubling time is extended by a factor of at least two.

A biodegradable polymer composition suitable for intratumoral administration to treat a mammal having a solid tumor, said composition comprising:

• (a) at least one antineoplastic agent in an amount effective to inhibit the growth of said tumor when administered by intratumoral injection;
• and
• (b) a poly(phosphoester) biodegradable polymer made by a process comprising the steps of:
• (1) reacting at least one heterocyclic ring compound with
• H—Y—L—Y—H,
• wherein H is hydrogen;
• Y is —O—, —S—or —NR4—, where R4 is H or alkyl;
• and
• L is a divalent, branched or straight chain aliphatic group having 1-20 carbon atoms,
• to form a prepolymer;
• (2) further reacting the prepolymer with a phosphorodihalidate to form a poly(phosphoester).

A solid article suitable for insertion into a thoracic tumor to treat a mammal having a thoracic tumor, said article comprising a biodegradable polymer composition comprising:

• (a) paclitaxel and
• (b) a biodegradable poly(phosphoester) having a molecular weight between about 2 and 500 KDaltons and comprising monomeric units shown in formula XI:
• 30
• wherein the molar ratio of x:y is about 1,
• wherein the delay in tumor doubling time is extended by a factor of at least two.