Radiation seed therapy is a common method for treating some prostate cancers and brain tumors. Palladium-103, with a half-life of 17 days, is one isotope used for this treatment. How long does it take for the activity of palladium-103 to decrease to 1.0% of its initial value and essentially cease to be effective?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The activity decreases to 1.0% of its initial value after about 6.64 half-lives. Since the half-life of Palladium-103 is 17 days, this equates to approximately 112.88 days, or about 3.7 months.

Radiation Seed Therapy Is a Common Method for Treating Some