The delivery of a cyclotron is one the most significant milestones in the design and construction of a proton therapy center. With long project durations and only 40 proton treatment facilities in the United States, these milestones don’t come along often — which is why it was a thrilling day when not one, but two proton therapy projects took delivery of their cyclotrons — the first time in history this has ever happened.

Cyclotron delivery is not only a milestone but a major event. Weighing as much as a 747, a cyclotron must be transported on a specialized 200-foot-long trailer with a police escort, going no more than 20 mph due to the delicate nature of the equipment. Upon reaching its destination, the cyclotron is carefully lowered into a below-ground vault by a crane designed especially for this purpose. The vault is comprised of concrete walls between six and 12 feet thick to protect against radiation exposure while the proton beam is operating.

Once in place, the year-long process of getting the equipment up and running begins. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences plans to start treating patients in September 2023, and OSF HealthCare in early 2024.

The OSF HealthCare Cancer IOSF HealthCare project pagenstitute OSF HealthCare project page The Proton Center of Arkansas UAMS project page

Thanks to our partners at PointCore Construction for creating this stunning video of the gantry and cyclotron delivery.