We study the energy deposition by light and heavy nuclei in tissue-like mediaas used for cancer therapy. The depth-dose distributions for protons, $^{3}$He,$^{12}$C, $^{20}$Ne, and $^{58}$Ni nuclei are calculated within a Monte Carlomodel based on the GEANT4 toolkit. These distributions are compared with eachother and with available experimental data. It is demonstrated that nuclearfragmentation reactions essentially reduce the peak-to-plateau ratio of thedose profiles for deeply penetrating energetic ions heavier than $^{3}$He. Onthe other hand, all projectiles up to $^{20}$Ne were found equally suitable fortherapeutic use at low penetration depths.
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