Retrofitting LINAC Vaults for Compact Proton Systems—Experiences Learned

We describe the installation of the Gordon Browne Proton Therapy Center within the Lunder Building at Massachusetts General Hospital. Advances in compact proton units with modular design brought to life the vision of allocating a space in a tight corner of a fully functioning high-rise building and installing equipment via pathways typical in a hospital setting. While the assembled equipment is larger than a conventional photon therapy linear accelerator, LINAC, the proton therapy equipment was designed to be modular to make installation easier. This allowed the largest components to be lowered down an elevator shaft and transported past areas used for patient care. Issues that complicated the installation process include the sharing of the loading dock with other activities in the hospital, elevator inspections, after-hours deliveries, infection control, lay-down space, and shielding requirements. This work is important in the identification of future sites for proton therapy.