Brachytherapy Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Dosage (High-dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy, Low-dose Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy), By Product (Seeds, Applicators & Afterloaders, Electronic Brachytherapy), By Applications (Prostate Cancer, Gynecological Cancer, Breast Cancer, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Brachytherapy Market Size and Report Highlights

The global brachytherapy market size was valued at USD 895.45 million in 2023 and is projected to reach from USD 957.86 million in 2024 to USD 1,642.09 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.97% during the forecast period (2024–2032).

The global industry's growth is primarily driven by rising cancer incidences, increasing adoption of minimally invasive treatments, and technological advancements in brachytherapy devices. Enhanced healthcare infrastructure and the rising number of specialized cancer treatment centers also contribute to the growing demand for brachytherapy.

Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy used to treat cancer. It involves placing radioactive material directly inside or near the tumor, delivering high doses of radiation to the cancerous cells while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. This localized approach allows for targeted treatment, making it effective for various cancers, including prostate, cervical, breast, and skin cancers. There are two main types of brachytherapy, i.e., low-dose rate (LDR) and high-dose-rate (HDR). In LDR, radiation is delivered over a longer period, while HDR delivers it in shorter, more intense bursts. The procedure can be temporary, where the radioactive source is removed after treatment, or permanent, where it remains in the body. Brachytherapy offers precise, efficient cancer treatment with fewer side effects compared to external radiation therapy, improving patient outcomes and recovery time.

Top 4 key highlights

• High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy dominated the dosage segment
• Applicators & afterloaders dominated the product segment
• Prostate cancer dominated the application segment
• North America held the largest market share

Brachytherapy Market Trends

Rising adoption of high-dose-rate (hdr) brachytherapy

A significant market trend in this market is the rising adoption of high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, which allows precise radiation delivery in shorter treatment sessions. HDR brachytherapy is increasingly preferred due to its efficiency in minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Studies have shown that HDR brachytherapy for prostate cancer, for example, has been associated with improved patient outcomes and reduced side effects compared to traditional external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).

• According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, with nearly 288,300 new cases projected in the U.S. for 2024, which is expected to drive the market growth for HDR brachytherapy as a preferred treatment option. This shift towards HDR brachytherapy aligns with patient demand for effective, less invasive treatments and shorter recovery times.

Brachytherapy Market Growth Factors

Increasing prevalence of cancer

The rising global cancer burden is a primary driver of the market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer cases worldwide are expected to reach 29.5 million by 2040. Cancers of the prostate, cervix, breast, and skin, which are highly treatable using brachytherapy, are on the rise.

Brachytherapy's ability to deliver targeted radiation doses directly to the tumor site makes it a favored option for oncologists. Moreover, its cost-effectiveness, shorter treatment cycles, and fewer complications compared to external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) boost its adoption, contributing to market growth.

Restraining Factors

Shortage of skilled professionals

The shortage of skilled professionals in the market is a significant restraint that impacts its growth. Brachytherapy procedures require highly specialized training and expertise to ensure precision in treatment delivery. Many healthcare facilities, especially in developing regions, struggle with a lack of trained oncologists and radiation therapists proficient in brachytherapy techniques.

The high cost of specialized training programs further exacerbates this issue, limiting the availability of qualified personnel. Additionally, the complexity of brachytherapy procedures demands continuous education and skill updates, adding to the challenge. This shortage hinders the widespread adoption of brachytherapy, particularly in areas with fewer healthcare resources, thus affecting the overall market growth and accessibility of this treatment modality.

Market Opportunities

Technological advancements

Technological advancements in this market are estimated to present significant opportunities for growth. Innovations like image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT), which uses MRI or CT scans for precise tumor targeting, have greatly enhanced the accuracy and effectiveness of treatments. These advancements allow for more personalized radiation doses, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The development of advanced afterloading devices has also improved the safety and control of radioactive source delivery, making treatments more efficient.

Furthermore, the introduction of MRI-based brachytherapy in cancers like cervical cancer has shown improved local control rates and reduced toxicity. As these technologies continue to evolve, they are expanding the application of brachytherapy to treat various cancers more effectively, increasing demand and offering a promising growth opportunity in the global brachytherapy market. This aligns with the growing focus on minimally invasive and patient-centric cancer treatments.

Regional Insights

North america: dominant region

North America's brachytherapy industry share is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. In North America, this market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the region's high cancer incidence and advanced healthcare infrastructure. The region has one of the highest cancer incidence rates globally. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the U.S. alone is expected to witness 1.96 million new cancer cases in 2024. Prostate, breast, and lung cancers remain the most common, all of which are treatable with brachytherapy. This steady increase in cancer cases is a key driver for the brachytherapy market in the region.

Additionally, the elderly population is growing rapidly in North America, increasing the prevalence of cancers that are treatable with brachytherapy. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2030, all baby boomers will be over the age of 65, accounting for over 20% of the population. Given the correlation between aging and cancer risk, this demographic shift is anticipated to significantly drive the market.

In the United States, the market is particularly dynamic, with significant investments in cancer care driving market growth. The U.S. government and private organizations are heavily investing in cancer research and treatment centers. For instance, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) spent $6.9 billion on cancer research in 2023, focusing on developing more effective treatments. Moreover, the increasing number of specialized cancer care centers in the U.S. offering brachytherapy services is contributing to market expansion.

Furthermore, skin cancer, particularly non-melanoma types such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, is a rising concern in the U.S. With over 5.4 million non-melanoma skin cancer cases treated each year in the U.S. as per the Skin Cancer Foundation, brachytherapy provides an alternative to surgery, particularly for patients concerned about scarring or those who are not candidates for invasive procedures. This demand for less invasive treatments is expected to boost market size in the coming years.

Asia-pacific: growing region

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest market growth in the global market during the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing cancer incidences and rising healthcare investments across countries like India, Japan, and Australia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Asia accounts for nearly half of all new cancer cases globally, with prostate, cervical, and breast cancers being the most common. The region's expanding healthcare infrastructure and growing awareness of advanced cancer treatment options, including brachytherapy, are key contributors to this market size expansion. Moreover, the rising geriatric population in countries like Japan is increasing the demand for non-invasive cancer treatments such as brachytherapy.

China holds a significant share of the Asia-Pacific brachytherapy market due to its growing cancer burden and improving healthcare facilities. According to the Chinese National Cancer Center, nearly 4.5 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2020, with lung, breast, and colorectal cancers being the most prevalent. To address this, the Chinese government has been increasing investments in cancer treatment technologies, including brachytherapy. The adoption of high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is rising in China due to its shorter treatment time and precision. The country's expanding medical device industry is also aiding the domestic production of brachytherapy equipment, further boosting the market growth.

Brachytherapy Market Segmentation Analysis

By dosage

The global market is segmented into high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy and low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy. The high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy segment is the highest contributor to the market. The high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy segment is gaining traction due to its ability to deliver precise, high-intensity radiation in shorter treatment durations compared to low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy. HDR brachytherapy is especially favored for treating cancers like prostate, cervical, and breast, where accuracy in radiation delivery is crucial. The technology allows flexible treatment planning and minimizes radiation exposure to healthy tissues, leading to fewer side effects.

Studies show that HDR brachytherapy offers better local control of tumors and improved survival rates for certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer. The segment's growth is further driven by ongoing advancements in image-guided brachytherapy, enhancing precision and expanding its use in oncology centers worldwide.

By product

The global market is bifurcated seeds, applicators & afterloaders, and electronic brachytherapy. The applicators & afterloaders dominated the global market. Applicators and afterloaders are essential devices in both high-dose-rate (HDR) and LDR brachytherapy. Applicators are used to deliver radioactive sources directly to the tumor site, while afterloaders are automated devices that manage the placement and removal of these sources. The segment is driven by technological advancements, such as the development of image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) systems that improve treatment accuracy.

• For example, Elekta's Flexitron afterloader is widely used for its precision and efficiency. This segment is expected to witness substantial growth due to increasing demand for advanced, high-precision devices in brachytherapy procedures.

By application

The market is bifurcated into prostate cancer, gynecological cancer, breast cancer, and others. The prostate cancer segment is estimated to own the highest market share. Prostate cancer is the largest segment, driven by the high global incidence of the disease and the effectiveness of brachytherapy in its treatment. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, prostate cancer accounts for 15.1% of all cancer cases in men globally. Both low-dose-rate (LDR) and high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy are effective in treating prostate cancer, with HDR brachytherapy increasingly preferred for its shorter treatment duration and better outcomes.

Research indicates that HDR brachytherapy, often combined with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), has shown excellent long-term survival rates. The rising preference for minimally invasive treatment options is expected to further expand the prostate cancer segment in the brachytherapy market.

Recent Developments

• July 2024- Medanta's Gurugram division announced the acquisition of a patent for its Brachytherapy device, the Medanta Anterior Oblique Lateral Oblique (MAOLO) template, which is developed for the treatment of advanced-stage cervical cancer.
• May 2024- GT Medical Technologies and Theragenics Corporation formed a partnership to enhance physician availability of Cesium-131 seeds for brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation therapy focused on brain tumors. 

Analyst's Review

As per our research analyst, the brachytherapy market is set for steady growth, propelled by technological innovations, expanding therapeutic applications, and the rising global cancer burden. The move toward personalized cancer treatment aligns well with brachytherapy’s precision-focused approach, offering targeted therapy with fewer side effects. While challenges such as high equipment costs and competition from alternative therapies exist, advancements in training and technology will help mitigate these barriers.

Moreover, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America provide substantial growth opportunities, further cementing the long-term potential of the brachytherapy industry.