Reagent for tumor therapy and/or imaging

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A reagent for treating or imaging a cancerous tumor in vivo comprises a carbohydrate having a paramagnetic atom bonded thereto. The carbohydrate is capable of binding or penetrating a cancerous cell. When the reagent is used for imaging, gadolinium comprises one preferred paramagnetic atom. When the reagent is used for applying thermal energy to a tumor the paramagnetic atom , preferably comprises iron. The reagent may be disposed in a carrier and the , carrier may comprise liposomes. The reagent may be used in combination with other diagnostic or therapeutic materials. One preferred material comprises gadolinium glucoside.