Question

Which radioactive isotope is used to control polycythemia vera?

• A. Phosphorous-32
• B. Thorium-234
• C. Lead-206
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A Phosphorous-32

Iodine-131, samarium-153 and phosphorus-32 are used for therapy. Iodine-131 is used to treat the thyroid for cancers and other abnormal conditions such as hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid). In a disease called Polycythemia vera, an excess of red blood cells is produced in the bone marrow. Phosphorus-32 is used to control this excess.

A new and still experimental procedure uses boron-10, which concentrates in the tumour. The patient is then irradiated with neutrons which are strongly absorbed by the boron, to produce high-energy alpha particles which kill the cancer.