Particle beams, i.e. proton or ion beams, have a depth dose distribution with a maximum at the end of the particle track, which makes them exceptionally useful for radiosurgery, especially cancer treatment. This article gives a short summary of different types of radiation and points out the advantages of particle beams. It will then cover basic aspects of the theoretical description before exp...

Photons are exponentially attenuated in matter producing high doses close to the surface. Therefore they are not well suited for the treatment of deep seated tumours. Charged particles, in contrast, exhibit a sharp increase of ionisation density close to the end of their range, the so-called Bragg-peak. The depth of the Bragg-peak can be adjusted by varying the particle’s energy. In parallel wi...

Radiation therapy using high-energy charged particles is generally acknowledged as a powerful new technique in cancer treatment. However, particle therapy in oncology is still controversial, specifically because it is unclear whether the putative clinical advantages justify the high additional costs. However, particle therapy can find important applications in the management of noncancer diseas...