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January 2025
The global radiation therapy market size is calculated at US$ 7.44 in 2024, grew to US$ 7.86 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around US$ 12.93 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 5.73% between 2025 and 2034. The rising cases of cancer, specifically in developing and underdeveloped countries, are driving the radiation therapy market.
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One of the most popular cancer therapies is radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is part of the treatment for almost half of cancer patients. It may be referred to as radiation treatment, irradiation, radiotherapy, or x-ray therapy. It functions by destroying or harming cancer cells with high-energy radiation, such as X-rays. Radiation therapy can be used to treat cancer, reduce tumor size before surgery, or eliminate any cancer cells that remain after surgery, either alone or in combination with other therapies. In cases of advanced cancer, it may also be used to alleviate symptoms.
One of the main factors propelling the radiotherapy industry is the rising incidence of cancer worldwide. With an estimated 10 million deaths in 2020, cancer is the leading cause of death globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the global cancer burden is expected to increase by 47% from 2020 to 28.4 million cases in 2040. The market is growing because of the growing patient population's need for easier access to effective cancer treatments like radiation. The radiation therapy market is expanding as a result of continuous improvements in radiation therapy techniques and apparatus.
The whole field of cancer treatment has been transformed by artificial intelligence (AI), and it is beginning to show significant promise for influencing radiation oncologists' jobs. AI is mostly used in radiation oncology to assist with radiation administration. AI can improve the accuracy of mobility management and adaptive radiation treatment. Additionally, AI has been used for critical therapeutic activities, including response evaluation and data exchange. Currently, AI is being included in diagnostic film computer-assisted detection.
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Technological Advancements in Radiotherapy
Technology is essential to the ongoing advancement of radiotherapy. The journey to contemporary "high-tech" radiation oncology has been filled with technological advancements and discoveries brought about by the collaboration of other disciplines. In a number of areas, including image guiding, adaptive radiation, artificial intelligence integration, heavy-particle treatment, and "flash" ultra-high dose-rate radiotherapy, technology-driven research is a vibrant and busy sector with significant possibilities. The shift to personalized oncology will have a significant impact on technology-driven research, which aims to incorporate omics studies and predictive models into quick and effective solutions to provide each patient with the best care possible.
Complexity in Radiotherapy
Understanding the fundamentals of medical physics, dosimetry, radiotherapy planning, radiobiology, delivery, how radiation therapy interacts with other treatment modalities and radiation safety are all important components of the intricate process of radiotherapy. Operations have become more difficult as a result of the advancement of sophisticated radiation technology. Additionally, to achieve maximal tumor control with little danger to normal tissue, a high degree of precision is required at every stage of the procedure. Additionally, procuring a cobalt source presents regulatory challenges due to the source's high radioactivity and inability to be switched off, and the increased complexity of LINACs calls for more regular quality assurance testing. It is anticipated that these complications would prevent radiation from being widely used to treat cancer.
Development of Personalized Radiotherapy Treatment
Imaging, radiomics, and RT technical features can all be a part of personalized radiation oncology. In the age of precision medicine, the therapeutic window for radiation oncology is expanding due to recent technological advancements in imaging, adaptive radiotherapy, and treatment conformity. These advancements not only enable individual dose escalation strategies but also open up new possibilities for re-irradiation in recurrent situations.
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By type, the external beam radiotherapy segment dominated the radiation therapy market in 2024. The most popular type of radiation oncology treatment is external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Radiation therapy is given to around one-third of cancer patients. High-dose radiation is used to shrink tumors or kill malignant cells. External beam radiation treatment (EBRT) is used by medical experts to treat a variety of cancers. In addition, it is used to treat many non-cancerous tumors and other ailments.
By application, the breast cancer segment captured the major share of the radiation therapy market in 2024. The most prevalent cancer diagnosed in American women is breast cancer, which is also the most common disease in women globally. Currently, one in four female malignancies worldwide is breast cancer. Breast cancer is predicted to be the most frequent cancer among American women in 2025, with an estimated 316,950 new cases identified in the country. In the United States, a woman is diagnosed with the condition every two minutes. In the United States, a projected 2,800 males will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in 2025. This area has seen significant advancements in radiation technology development in recent years, including the performance of segmentation times and the evaluation of the curative effects of different radiotherapy procedures.
By application, the prostate cancer segment held the second-largest share of the radiation therapy market in 2024. The fourth most frequent cancer in the world is prostate cancer. It is the second most prevalent kind of cancer in males. The need to boost access to care in these nations is further supported by the fact that the incidence and death rates of prostate cancer rose in 11 and nine of the countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America/Caribbean, respectively. According to predictions, the aging and expanding world population alone would cause the PC burden to rise to over 2.4 million cases and 712,000 deaths by 2040. About 7.5 million life-years are lost as a result of this rise in mortality, with the largest increases in anticipated life-years lost occurring in Africa, Asia, and Latin America/Caribbean.
By end-use, the hospitals segment held the major share of the radiation therapy market in 2024. The most recent external beam radiation treatment equipment is housed in the sophisticated radiology departments of the majority of institutions. Additionally, they have clinically qualified teams of radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, and nurses to manage the intricacies of radiation therapy planning and administration. Additionally, radiotherapy's strategic placement in hospitals promotes vital interdisciplinary cooperation with medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and other experts to develop the best possible coordinated treatment plans. Finally, hospitals offer a one-stop shop for cancer patients who need extra treatments like chemotherapy, palliative care, PDT, etc., all under one roof. Hospitals are the ideal location for radiation operations because of these characteristics.
By end-use, the radiotherapy centers & ambulatory surgery centers segment is estimated to grow significantly in the radiation therapy market during the forecast period. Advanced radiation equipment is being quickly adopted by the cancer clinic segment in order to deliver cutting-edge and efficient patient treatment. Their ability to provide streamlined and efficient services, frequently with decreased patient wait times, is a result of this. Furthermore, cancer clinics could offer more individualized care and more flexibility with regard to appointment scheduling. Because outpatient care environments are more convenient, less expensive, and less burdensome for patients than in-hospital treatments, there is a growing need for ambulatory radiation clinics.
North America dominated the radiation therapy market in 2024. This domination may be ascribed to a variety of things, including the region's high rate of cancer patients receiving radiation treatments, growing research, the existence of reputable medical institutions, advantageous reimbursement practices, and the industry's stronghold.
Because of its strict regulations and robust medical equipment sector, the United States leads the global market for radiotherapy. In the U.S., millions of new instances of cancer of all varieties are identified each year, indicating a high incidence of the disease. The requirement for sophisticated radiation modalities that provide accurate and focused treatment delivery while limiting harm to surrounding healthy tissues is fueled by the rising incidence of cancer, which in turn is driving market expansion.
Asia Pacific is estimated to host the fastest-growing radiation therapy market during the forecast period. Rapid economic growth in nations like China, India, Japan, and South Korea is making it easier for people to access cutting-edge medical facilities. The Asia Pacific radiotherapy market is being driven by a number of important reasons, including rising healthcare costs, an aging population, and increased public knowledge of cancer treatment choices. The market is seeing an increase in imports from large international companies in order to satisfy domestic demand. Additionally, a large number of international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have established production facilities or partnered with regional companies in high-potential nations. This has made gadgets more inexpensive and guaranteed a consistent supply. More individuals are choosing to undergo advanced radiation treatment procedures as the region's supply of technologically advanced items grows.
In July 2024, Mr Dinesh Madhavan, President of Group Oncology and International, Apollo Hospital Enterprises Ltd, said that innovative technologies in the field of cancer care open the door to highly individualized and successful therapy. Accuracy and Apollo Cancer Centres' launch of the Robotic Stereotactic Radiotherapy Program will improve ASEAN training facilities. It will assist in giving physicists, therapists, and oncologists the essential information and abilities required to make use of the newest CyberKnife technologies.
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