Cobalt-6 is used to kill tumor cells in medical treatment, which is called radiotherapy for short. Radiotherapy is one of the three major treatments for cancer. It is a therapeutic method to irradiate tumors with rays of different energies to inhibit and kill cancer cells. Radiotherapy can be used alone, or combined with surgery and chemotherapy as a part of comprehensive treatment to improve the cure rate of cancer. A period of radiotherapy before surgery can reduce the tumor volume, so that patients who could not be operated before can get the opportunity of surgery. For advanced cancer, palliative radiotherapy can achieve the effects of relieving oppression and pain. Radiotherapy can be divided into radical radiotherapy and palliative radiotherapy. The former has a large dose and thorough irradiation, and is suitable for early and partially advanced patients to eliminate the primary focus, possible residual focus after operation and some metastatic focus. The latter is suitable for advanced patients, and it is mostly a stopgap measure. Dosage is given according to tolerance, so as to improve symptoms, relieve pain and prolong life. Individual can also achieve radical effect. The doctor determines the total dose according to the nature, location, disease stage and general condition of the tumor. Distribute the total dose to 2 ~ 3 times, and complete the irradiation within 4-6 weeks. After accurate positioning, marks are drawn on the body surface, and the tumor site is irradiated through the body surface.
If this kind of radiation irradiates normal cells, it will lead to gene mutation of normal cells, leading to leukemia.