The isotope of which one among the following elements is used in the treatment of cancer?

Radioisotopes are widely used in medical science for both diagnosis and therapy. Cobalt-60 is a critical isotope used in cancer radiotherapy, providing a powerful and precise treatment option for tumors by emitting high-energy gamma rays [1][4]. While Iodine-131 is also used specifically for treating thyroid cancer [3], Cobalt-60 is the most historically significant and widely recognized general answer for cancer treatment in standard scientific contexts. Fluorine-18 is primarily utilized in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for diagnostic imaging in oncology rather than direct treatment [1][4]. Uranium-235 is primarily used as fuel in nuclear reactors or weapons rather than for direct medical therapy [1]. The government is also establishing research reactors in PPP mode to increase the production of such medical isotopes to ensure affordable cancer treatment.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/hcp/isotopes/iodine-131.html
2. [4] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > Proposed/Implemented reforms under Aatma Nirbhar Bharat > p. 248
3. [3] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Atomic explosion (Nuclear fatlout): > p. 83