Cobalt 60 Radiation Therapy Instrument | Nuclear Medicine Equipment's | Biomedical Engineers TV |

Updated: May 16, 2024

Biomedical Engineers TV


Summary

Dr. Harold E Johns pioneered the development of cobalt 60 radiation therapy instruments in 1949. The use of cobalt therapy began in 1951 and was expected to replace x-ray radiotherapy by 1961. Walt Disney's lung cancer was treated with cobalt therapy in 1966. Cobalt 60 machines involve a source moved along a tube surrounded by lead, with calculations based on point detector techniques and F5 tally for gamma rays flux and dose rate. Cobalt 60 radiation is often preferred for treating laryngeal cancer due to its ability to ensure adequate dosing of superficial tissues.


Introduction to Cobalt 60 Radiation Therapy Instruments

In 1949, Dr. Harold E Johns began the development of cobalt 60 radiation therapy instruments with the construction of two cobalt 60 apparatuses. The first person was treated with cobalt 60 radiation in 1951, marking the beginning of this treatment modality.

Development and Adoption of Cobalt Therapy

By 1961, cobalt therapy was expected to replace x-ray radiotherapy. Walt Disney's lung cancer was treated with cobalt therapy in 1966, although it was unable to prevent his death.

Working Mechanism of a Typical Cobalt 60 Machine

A typical cobalt 60 machine involves a source moved along a tube surrounded by lead. After exposure, staff members enter to handle the machine manually. The radiation beam is defined by a collimator assembly using point detector techniques and F5 tally to calculate the gamma rays flux and dose rate.

Calculation Methods and Precision in Cobalt 60 Therapy

Calculation methods involve using point detector techniques, a default cross-section library, and emission of two photons per disintegration by the cobalt-60 source. Statistical uncertainties range between one to three percent. The simulation time for each calculation point is approximately one to two hours.

Optimal Mode of Radiation for Laryngeal Cancer

Cobalt 60 is often the ideal mode of radiation for treating laryngeal cancer, ensuring adequate dosing of superficial tissues. Dosimetric comparisons between 60Co and 6 MV beams indicate that control rates for early lesions remain high, with caution advised against using six MV beams for lesions in specific areas.


FAQ

Q: Who began the development of cobalt 60 radiation therapy instruments in 1949?

A: Dr. Harold E Johns

Q: When was the first person treated with cobalt 60 radiation?

A: 1951

Q: What is a typical cobalt 60 machine composed of?

A: A source moved along a tube surrounded by lead

Q: How is the radiation beam on a cobalt 60 machine defined?

A: By a collimator assembly using point detector techniques and F5 tally

Q: What is the simulation time for each calculation point on a cobalt 60 machine?

A: Approximately one to two hours

Q: Why is cobalt 60 often the ideal mode of radiation for treating laryngeal cancer?

A: Ensuring adequate dosing of superficial tissues

Q: What dosimetric comparison is made between 60Co and 6 MV beams?

A: Control rates for early lesions remain high, caution advised against using six MV beams for lesions in specific areas

Logo

Get your own AI Agent Today

Thousands of businesses worldwide are using Chaindesk Generative AI platform.
Don't get left behind - start building your own custom AI chatbot now!