HCI Proton Therapy

Proton therapy is a crucial tool in the fight against cancer that has long been inaccessible to many patients. Its ability to specifically target cancerous cells without impacting healthy tissue means certain patients, such as children or those with cancer near a vital organ, can receive effective treatment with minimal side effects. The size of cyclotrons used in proton therapy have now been miniaturized, allowing more therapy centers to be built in hospitals across the nation. The Senator Orrin G. Hatch Proton Therapy Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute is a State of Utah High Performance Building and is the first compact-proton therapy lab in the Intermountain Region. This facility expands access to care for those living in this region who originally had to travel extensive distances. Patients can now maintain a stable routine and receive support from friends and family during a trying time.

With the Wasatch Mountains right behind the hospital, the project site is constrained on all 4 sides. The team decided to build as far into the hillside as possible without increasing the project's cost to create space for the facility. The building was designed to blend in with the mountain range, evident in the matching sandy color scheme of the mountains and building.

Relocating the 85,000-pound cyclotron magnet posed a great logistical challenge. To overcome this, the magnet was transported to the site across a back dirt road using the largest crane in Utah, to eventually be placed through a custom cut hole in the roof. Even with these site constraints, the design team established a blueprint for another therapy lab to be built in future Huntsman expansion efforts.

Supergraphics of mountains and rivers guide patients to their treatment room, where LED lights can change to any color to create a calm and relaxing environment. Instead of a sterile white room, the colorful wayfinding elements create a sense of peace for patients as they undergo treatment.

This facility was designed with care and careful consideration to ensure the best patient experience possible. At the groundbreaking and dedication, patients receiving care at Huntsman were invited to speak about the impact this proton therapy lab will have on their life.