Proton Therapy
An advanced form of external beam radiation therapy utilizing accelerated proton beams to destroy cancerous tumors.
Governing formula
Bragg Peak Energy Deposition Curve: (-dE/dx) ∝ 1 / v²
SI unit
MeV (Proton Beam Energy ~70–250 MeV)
In depth
Unlike X-ray photon beams that deposit maximum dose near entry skin, energetic protons lose minimal energy along their entrance path, depositing virtually all ionization energy at a sharp depth called the Bragg Peak before coming to a complete stop.
Examples in the real world
Treating pediatric brain tumors with proton beams to eliminate exit radiation dose to healthy brain tissue.