Aren’t X-rays just as effective at destroying tumors?
X-rays and protons can be equally effective in destroying cancerous tumors. The difference is that X-ray treatments damage or destroy some healthy tissue in the process of irradiating cancerous tumors. X-rays release much of their energy quickly after penetrating the skin, damaging healthy tissue and organs on their way to the tumor and, again, as they leave the body. Protons can be precisely directed to release most of their energy only when they reach the tumor. Unlike X-rays, which pass completely through the body, protons speed directly to the tumor site and stop there so healthy tissue in front of and behind the tumor is spared.
