Chapter I: Introduction: 1

History 1
What Is Radiation? 5
What Is Radioactivity? 5
What Are Radioisotopes? 6
How Are Radioisotopes Used? 7
What Do We Mean by Tracer Atoms? 9
DIAGNOSIS 11
Pinpointing Disease 11
Arsenic-74 14
Chromium-51 15
Cobalt-60 16
Iodine-131 18
Iron-59 23
Phosphorus-32 24
Sodium-24 25
Technetium-99^{_m_} 26
Thulium-170 and Gamma Radiography 27
Tritium 28
Activation Analysis 30
Summary 30
THERAPY 31
A Successful Case 31
General Principles 32
Iodine-131 and Iodine-132 32
Boron-10 33
Phosphorus-32 35
Gold-198 37
Beads, Needles, and Applicators 38
Teletherapy 41
CONCLUSIONS 43
APPENDIX 44
SUGGESTED REFERENCES 47

United States Atomic Energy Commission
Division of Technical Information
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 66-62749
1966

This multi-detector positron scanner is used to locate tumors. A radioisotope-labeled substance is injected into the body and subsequently concentrates in the tumor tissue. The radioisotope emits positrons that immediately decay and produce two gamma rays that travel in opposite directions. These rays are detected simultaneously on a pair of opposing detection crystals and a line is established along which the tumor is located. This method is one of many ways doctors use radioisotopes to combat disease. In this, as in many other procedures described in this booklet, the patient remains comfortable at all times.]

Earl W. Phelan is Professor of Chemistry at Tusculum College, Greeneville, Tennessee. From 1952 to 1965, he served as Staff Assistant in the Laboratory Director’s Office at Argonne National Laboratory, where his duties included editing the Argonne Reviews and supplying information to students. For 22 years prior to moving to Argonne he served as Head of the Chemistry Department of the Valdosta State College In Georgia. He received his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Cornell University.]

Radioisotopes in Medicine

By EARL W. PHELAN