Proton and Helium-4 Ion Beams for Hadron Therapy: Depth, Lateral, and Secondary Particle Dose Calculations

O. Allaoui (Laboratory of Materials Physics and Subatomics Laboratory, Physics Department, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco)
A. Didi (Laboratory of Sciences and Health Technologies, High Institute of Health Sciences, Hassan First University of Settat, BP 555, Settat, 26000, Morocco)
E. M. Alibrahmi (Laboratory of Materials Physics and Subatomics Laboratory, Physics Department, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco)
E. M. Chakir (Laboratory of Materials Physics and Subatomics Laboratory, Physics Department, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco)
Z. Sadoune (Laboratory of Electronic Systems, Information Processing, Mechanics, and Energy, Physics Department, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco)

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This study compares Monte Carlo simulations of dose distributions from proton and helium-4 ion beams in an aqueous medium using the MCNP code. Proton beams (60-240 MeV) and helium-4 beams (80-240 MeV, 520 MeV) are evaluated for their ballistic properties in hadron therapy, including penetration depth, lateral dose spread, and secondary particle production. Helium-4 ions, with higher mass and charge, exhibit sharper Bragg peaks and less lateral scattering than protons, suggesting better dose conformity. They also produce fewer long-range secondary particles, potentially reducing unintended dose to healthy tissues. These results highlight the potential of helium-4 ions as a viable alternative to proton therapy for more precise dose control and reduced collateral damage.