A major milestone: The cyclotron in place at OUH Radiumhospitalet
A significant step towards completing the proton therapy facility at Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet, was taken with the arrival of the cyclotron on October 5th 2023.
The cyclotron, a particle accelerator, is the driving force in the medical machinery responsible for generating and delivering the proton radiation that is used during proton therapy treatment. The one placed in Oslo is named Ellen Gleditsch, after the scientist who studied in the lab of Marie Curie and was essential for bringing radium to Norway. Her work made it possible to treat cancer patients with radiation therapy at the Radium Hospital some 90 years ago. Produced in Germany, the 100-ton cyclotron was shipped by sea to Oslo. It was then driven by special transportation to the Radium Hospital, and lifted into the radiation bunker through the roof on the new proton therapy building. This event marked a key milestone towards the operational use of the new treatment facilities, which will happen from the last quarter of 2024.
The arrival of the cyclotron was celebrated with cake, speeches and great views to the lifting process from the 9th floor of the old Radium Hospital building.