Optimal design for the renovation of a medical linear accelerator room into a cyclotron room

The increasing demand for nuclear medicine has necessitated the conversion of existing linear accelerator rooms in radiotherapy centers into cyclotron facilities, either for equipment upgrades or functional optimization. This study assesses the feasibility of adapting a hospital’s original linear accelerator room for cyclotron operations by examining its structural features, shielding effectiveness, and spatial configuration. Through theoretical calculations and MCNP analysis, the required additional shielding thicknesses for walls, ceilings, and protective doors were determined based on cyclotron radiation parameters and initial shielding conditions. A comparative analysis was performed between the original radiation protection design and the specific requirements of cyclotron installations, considering both technical viability and economic efficiency. The MCNP confirmed that radiation levels complied with national safety standards, which indicate that reinforcing heavy concrete walls can reduces construction complexity, prevent the activation of special substances (cobalt, nickel) in aggregates of concrete, while ensuring adherence to radiation safety regulations, making it suitable for similar infrastructure transformations. The method facilitates the expansion of nuclear medicine services through the reuse of existing facilities, thereby conserving resources compared to building new structures. This research provides a practical methodology for transforming radiotherapy units into cyclotron-based nuclear medicine centers, aligning with national policies aimed at promoting the high-quality development of the nuclear medicine industry.