Method of delivering micellular particles encapsulating imaging and chemotherapeutic agents to tumors in a body

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A method is provided for delivering intact micellular particles containing imaging agents or chemotherapeutic agents to tumors within a body for the diagnosis and treatment of such tumors. The micellular particles are small less than 2000 A and, incorporate pure neutral phospholipid molecules preferably containing at least 18 carbon atoms, in their external surface. Enhanced delivery of the micellular particles containing imaging agents or chemotheeapeutic agents may be achieved by introducing an initial group of micellular particles containing positively charged molecules extending externally from the particles to block phagocytic cells present in tissues of the body.