Tumor treatment and / or imaging agent

摘要

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.