Two types of polymeric needle devices (reservoir type and matrix type) were prepared. The release behavior and mechanism of adriamycin HCl from these needle devices were investigated and deduced. Adriamycin HCl released from reservoir type needle devices exhibited a zero order release kinetic, but a Higuchi membrane-diffusion controlled model was shown in matrix type needle devices. A lag time and burst effect were obtained in reservoir type and matrix needle devices, respectively. The release of adriamycin HCl from these needle devices was controlled and can be monitored by adding a hydrophilic or hydrophobic additive.