Development of a Compact Synchrotron Proton Therapy Center Model for Monte Carlo-Based Radiation Protection Studies

Proton therapy involves accelerating protons to high energies for targeted tumor irradiation, offering advantages over traditional radiotherapy. The relative scarcity of tools to study proton therapy challenges prompted the development of a model for a proton therapy center using the PHITS program. The model considers radiological issues associated with high-energy protons, such as the generation of mixed radiation fields. The project aims to guide the creation of models for other facilities by describing the process from initial blueprints to final geometry. AutoCAD, SuperMC and PHITS have been used for 3D modeling, geometry translation and radiation source modeling. In-depth analysis was conducted to model the sources of radiation inside the accelerator room in a compact proton center with synchrotron, similar to that working in Spain. These sources include elements where the proton beam undergoes interactions with elements, yielding a complex field of secondary radiation, mainly neutrons. Finally, a validation calculation of the model was performed, determining the H*(10) and H* doses at several points of interest (POI), concluding the good performance of the model.