HC Deb 27 July 1962 vol 663 cc201-3W
Mr. Mason

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will list all radioactive isotopes that have been produced which have proved specific adds in medicine; and with what success the Isotope Division of the Atomic Energy Authority is producing isotope compounds to help in the cure of cancer.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

The following radioisotopes and their compounds are used in diagnostic tests:

  • Iodine-132.
  • Iron-59.
  • Ghromium-51.
  • Bromine-82.
  • Sodium-24.
  • Potassium-42.
  • Calcium-47.

Other radioisotopes, less widely used, include:

  • Arsenic-72.
  • Arsenic-74.
  • Bismuth-206.
  • Copper-64.
  • Iron-52.

available date in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and the northwest of England, including Liverpool and Manchester, respectively, together with the percentage of the working population who were totally unemployed in each case.

Mr. Hare

The following is the information required:

  • Rubidium-86.
  • Sodium-22.
  • Strontium-85.
  • Zinc-65.
  • Xenon-133.
  • Iodine-125 (recently introduced).

The following radioisotopes are well established in medical therapy, especially in the treatment of malignant disease:

  • Cobalt-60.
  • Caesium-137.
  • Strontium-90.
  • Iodine-131.
  • Phosphorus-32.
  • Gold-198.

Other radioisotopes, less widely used, include:

  • Yttrium-90.
  • Lutecium-177.
  • Tantalum-182.

The Atomic Energy Authority cooperate to the full with the organisations concerned with the study and treatment of cancer. I understand that these organisations are very satisfied with the assistance given to them by the Authority in making available the materials they require.

Mr. Mason

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science whether consideration will be given to forming a department of the Isotopes Division of the Atomic Energy Authority specifically to carry out research into the uses of isotopes and compounds solely for combating prevalent diseases.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

Work of this nature is done by the Medical Research Council and in universities and hospitals. The Atomic Energy Authority cooperate to the full in this work by providing suitable radioactive compounds, by giving training, and in other ways.

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