The global radiotherapy market is experiencing steady expansion, supported by rising cancer incidence, advancements in radiation therapy technologies, and policy shifts aimed at improving access and affordability. Valued at USD 7.21 billion in 2024, the market is projected to reach USD 9.62 billion by 2029, reflecting a CAGR of 4.9%. As oncology care continues to evolve, radiotherapy remains a core treatment modality for millions of cancer patients worldwide, driving demand for advanced systems, precision therapies, and integrated cancer management solutions.
Growing investments in research and development, increasing emphasis on early cancer diagnosis and treatment, and expanding awareness programs about modern radiotherapy options are significantly boosting market growth. Among various treatment modalities, External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)—which includes linear accelerators (LINACs), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), and particle therapy—continues to dominate global adoption, particularly for prevalent cancers such as breast cancer.
Market Drivers: Innovation in Particle Therapy and Rising Cancer Incidence
The growing shift toward particle therapy, especially proton therapy, is one of the most transformative developments in the radiotherapy market. Proton therapy provides a more precise, targeted treatment compared to conventional photon therapy, offering substantial clinical advantages, such as:
- Lower toxicity and reduced radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues
- Superior precision in targeting deep-seated or complex tumors
- Reduced risk of secondary cancers
- Alternative treatment for patients unresponsive to traditional radiation
- Minimal exit dose, enhancing safety for pediatric and sensitive-case patients
This advanced therapy is gaining global attention, with the number of proton therapy centers steadily rising. For example, in June 2023, the Tata Memorial Center (India) initiated proton beam treatment for five pediatric cancer patients, marking a milestone in high-precision cancer care adoption in emerging economies.
Additionally, the global rise in cancer cases remains a fundamental driver. According to international health agencies, cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, reinforcing the need for effective treatment options like radiotherapy. Increasing collaborations between hospitals, research organizations, and radiation therapy equipment manufacturers also support innovation and broader clinical adoption.
Market Restraints: High Equipment Cost and Complex Treatment Workflows
Despite technological advances, the radiotherapy industry faces several obstacles that hinder widespread adoption:
- High Capital Investment
Advanced radiotherapy systems—including LINACs, proton systems, and adaptive therapy machines—require significant financial investment. This challenge is particularly critical in low-income regions, where access to advanced care is limited by budget constraints and infrastructure gaps.
- Regulatory Complexity
Radiotherapy systems must comply with stringent safety, quality, and performance standards. Lengthy regulatory approval timelines can delay product launches and limit the deployment of innovative systems.
- Treatment Complexity
Modern radiotherapy involves a sophisticated workflow encompassing medical physics, dosimetry, radiobiology, treatment planning, imaging integration, and quality assurance. Technologies such as IMRT and adaptive radiotherapy require complex software, specialized equipment, and highly trained personnel.
LINACs, for example, require frequent quality assurance, while cobalt-60 sources for conventional systems pose regulatory hurdles due to their radioactive nature.
These challenges collectively increase operational complexity and limit rapid scale-up, especially in emerging healthcare settings.
Market Opportunities: Favorable U.S. Payment Models Accelerate Adoption
A major opportunity shaping the global radiotherapy landscape is the introduction of more value-based reimbursement models in the United States. Historically, radiotherapy reimbursement under fee-for-service (FFS) systems created inconsistencies in payments, resulting in varying access and high provider costs.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the Radiation Oncology (RO) payment model, which bundles payments for 90-day cancer care episodes. This new model applies to 16 cancer types, including breast, prostate, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, liver, and CNS tumors.
Key benefits of this model include:
- Reduced cost variability through fixed bundled payments
- Increased adoption of advanced radiotherapy technologies
- Greater focus on quality and outcomes
- Encouragement for healthcare providers to invest in modern treatment solutions
This shift is expected to spur broader adoption of radiotherapy technologies across the U.S., influencing global market players to accelerate innovation, partnerships, and investments.
Market Challenges: Managing Radiation Exposure Risks
Despite progress in precision radiotherapy, radiation exposure remains a significant clinical challenge. While treatments aim to deliver high doses to tumor cells, unavoidable exposure to surrounding tissues can cause short-term and long-term side effects.
Potential Risks Include:
- Skin irritation and inflammation
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal disturbances
- Organ damage near the radiation site
- Fibrosis or tissue scarring
- Secondary cancers (long-term risk)
High-dose systemic radiotherapy and HDR brachytherapy pose elevated exposure risks for both patients and clinical staff. Manual loading and unloading of radioactive sources in some brachytherapy systems also increases occupational hazards.
Mitigating exposure through improved shielding, automation, AI-driven planning, and real-time adaptive therapy remains a priority.
Regional Insights: North America Leads, Asia-Pacific Surges Ahead
The global radiotherapy market spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.
North America (Largest Market in 2023–2029)
North America dominates due to:
- Advanced healthcare infrastructure
- Strong reimbursement systems
- High adoption of precision oncology
- Significant R&D investments
- Presence of leading radiation therapy companies
The U.S., in particular, is a hub for radiotherapy innovation, clinical trials, and regulatory initiatives that strengthen diagnostic and treatment ecosystems.
Asia-Pacific (Fastest-Growing Region)
The region is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate due to:
- Rising cancer incidence
- Expanding access to advanced radiotherapy equipment
- Government investments in oncology infrastructure
- Increasing awareness of modern cancer treatment modalities
Countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Japan are emerging as major hubs for radiotherapy expansion.
Recent Industry Developments
- Feb 2025: IBA Worldwide partnered with the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) to deploy a ProteusONE compact therapy system.
- Jan 2025: Accuray received NMPA approval in China for the Radixact SynC and CyberKnife S7 systems.
- Aug 2024: Accuray secured CE Mark for the Helical Radiation Delivery System.
- May 2024: Elekta launched the AI-powered CT-Linac Evo for online adaptive therapy.
- Apr 2024: Elekta and GE Healthcare’s MIM Software formed a major partnership for advanced treatment planning.
Apr 2024: Accuray opened a global training center—the Accuray Innovation & Partnership Hub in Switzerland.