Cobalt was the first isotope used in the radiation therapy to cure cancer cells. In cobalt treatment for cancer, radiations of the isotope of cobalt, C60, are used to kill cancer cells. This isotope has proved to be effective in treating cancer, but has some side effects and risks involved during the treatment procedure. This type of treatment for cancer is mostly used to treat lung cancer and is mostly given in combination with some other cancer medications. Cobalt radiotherapy is also sometimes prescribed as the main treatment by the cancer physicians, depending on the cancer stage in which the patient is.

Cobalt-60 Isotope

Cobalt-60 is a radioisotope of cobalt-59. It is beta emitting isotope that produces gamma rays, on decay. It has a half life period of around 5.3 years, after which it decays into nickel-59, which is a stable isotope. Gamma rays of cobalt-60 are produced by placing cobalt-59 inside the vessel or reactor for 5 to 10 years.

Cobalt-60 Isotope Radiotherapy for Cancer Treatment

The radiations of cobalt-60 are passed through a cobalt machine which is nothing but a small cylinder of cobalt-60 that is placed at the notch or head of the radiation apparatus. This machine emits cobalt gamma rays that pass through a series of jaws and collimators to shape the radiation beam. This beam is targeted on the affected area, so that they do not affect the other healthy cells of the body. This way the cancer cells are destroyed or deactivated inside the body. These dead cancer cells are removed by surgery. The head of the apparatus must be rotated periodically, so that the tumor cells are exposed to the radiations at different angles. This also prevents the healthy cells from damage.

The overall cobalt treatment for cancer is painless where the radiations are targeted only to the cancer cells inside the body. Before the session starts, the patient has to undergo MRI and CT scans. These scans will tell the oncologist about the radiation frequency and the dose of cobalt to be given at that time. Also, the oncologist should remember that C-60 has a very short half life period of around 5.3 years hence the isotope has to be replaced to maintain proper radiation activity levels.

Side Effects of Cobalt-60 Isotope Radiotherapy for Cancer Treatment

Side effects of cobalt treatment for cancer include fatigue, nausea and weakness. A patient might experience low blood count, dryness of skin and mouth, skin irritations and hair loss in some cases.

Risk Involved in Cobalt-60 Isotope Radiotherapy for Cancer Treatment

There is a big risk while performing cobalt radiotherapy. The isotope of cobalt produces fine dust during the therapy sessions. This dust is not safe for both the patients and the therapists, even if they are wearing the shield.

As cobalt treatment for cancer has proven to be an effective and cost effective option for treatment of cancer, this type of radiotherapy remains as a primitive choice of treatment for most of the cancer physicians, despite the major risk factor of fine dust produced during the procedure. Some other treatment options for the treatment of lung cancer include CAP chemotherapy; the regimen is decided by the oncologist, depending on the type and stage of lung cancer.