Some applications of nuclear physics in medicine

Abstract

A brief description is given of the manufacture of radioactive isotopes in the chain-reacting pile, pointing out some of the limitations of medical importance particularly in respect of specific activity and purity of materials available. A more detailed discussion follows of the therapeutic and diagnostic applications of phosphorus, iodine, iron and sodium. An account is included of the use of cobalt 60 as a substitute for radium in interstitial, intracavitary and telecurie therapy.