Which one of the following elements’ isotopes is used in the treatment

Which one of the following elements’ isotopes is used in the treatment of cancer ?

Iodine
Sodium
Cobalt
Uranium
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2021
Radioactive isotopes are used in medicine for diagnosis and treatment. In the treatment of cancer, a process called radiotherapy is often used, which involves using radiation to kill cancer cells. Cobalt-60 is a radioactive isotope that emits high-energy gamma rays. These gamma rays can penetrate tissue and are used in external beam radiotherapy machines (often called “Cobalt therapy”) to target and destroy cancerous tumors.
Cobalt-60 ($^{60}$Co) is a common radioactive isotope used in cancer treatment (radiotherapy) due to its emission of gamma rays. While Iodine-131 is used to treat thyroid cancer, Cobalt-60 is used for a broader range of cancers in external radiotherapy.
Other radioisotopes used in medicine include Iodine-131 (thyroid conditions), Technetium-99m (diagnostic imaging), and Iridium-192 (brachytherapy). Uranium isotopes are mainly used as nuclear fuel and in nuclear weapons, not typically in medical treatment.
Exit mobile version