Which one of the following element's isotope is used in the treatment

Which one of the following element’s isotope is used in the treatment of cancer ?

Uranium

Cobalt

Sodium

Iodine

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2020

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Cobalt-60 is a widely used radioactive isotope in cancer treatment, specifically in external beam radiotherapy (using a Cobalt therapy machine) due to its emission of high-energy gamma rays which are effective in killing cancer cells.

– Radioisotopes like Cobalt-60 are used in cancer treatment (radiotherapy) to damage the DNA of cancer cells and prevent them from growing and dividing.
– Iodine-131 is used specifically in the treatment of thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism.
– Uranium is primarily known for its use in nuclear power and weapons, not medical treatment in this context.
– Sodium isotopes are often used as tracers but not standard therapeutic agents for cancer.

Apart from Cobalt-60 and Iodine-131, other radioisotopes used in cancer treatment include Iridium-192 (brachytherapy), Cesium-137 (brachytherapy), Gold-198 (brachytherapy), and Phosphorus-32 (for certain blood disorders affecting bone marrow). Brachytherapy involves placing the radioactive source directly inside or next to the tumour.

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