Treatment Planning Systems And Advanced Image Processing Market

Market Overview

The global treatment planning systems and advanced image processing market size was valued at USD 2.12 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.98 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2024 to 2032. The rising incidence of cancer around the world necessitates the development of innovative and effective cancer treatment techniques. The growth of the planning systems and advanced image processing market is fueled by the emergence of the healthcare IT industry and its supporting infrastructure, soaring investments in cancer care segments, and rising demand for advanced solutions. 

Treatment planning systems are computer-based software programs that generate comprehensive treatment plans for cancer patients and are used in in radiation therapy. In order to provide the tumor the maximum radiation dose while exposing the surrounding healthy tissues to the least amount of radiation, these systems are essential to the planning and optimization of radiation therapy.

The term "advanced image processing" describes the use of complex algorithms and methods on medical images, including those produced by a variety of imaging modalities like MRIs, CT scans, PET scans, and X-rays. It is essential to medical research, treatment planning, and diagnosis.

Market Dynamics

• Rising Mortalities Due To Cancer Are Driving The Market

The global market will be primarily driven by factors such as the worldwide increase in cancer cases and the adoption of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence for cancer treatment. During the forecast period, the increasing use of radiotherapy and the adoption of software systems for treatment planning are anticipated to fuel the growth of planning systems and the advanced image processing market.

Due to the high mortality rate associated with cancer, new treatment procedures are being developed to reduce cancer-related fatalities. Nearly fifty percent of cancer patients receive radiotherapy, making it one of the most important forms of treatment. Due to the expanding use of radiotherapy, the number of advanced radiotherapy centers is expanding worldwide.

There are approximately 2,332 radiotherapy centers in the United States alone, and it is anticipated that there will be 4,1 million radiotherapy survivors in the world by 2030. All of these necessitate innovative treatment planning solutions and advanced image processing systems, which will increase the market growth for planning systems and advanced image processing systems over the next few years.

• The Growing Popularity Of Radiotherapy Is Driving The Market

The increasing prevalence of radiotherapy for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer is one of the major factors driving the expansion of the treatment planning systems and advanced image processing markets. According to an article published by the American Cancer Society in June 2019, nearly half (49%) of early-stage breast cancer patients undergo Breast-conserving Surgery (BCS) with adjuvant radiation therapy for treatment due to its increased efficacy. In addition, several government initiatives to develop a modern healthcare infrastructure for the diagnosis by oncology utilizing advanced medical imaging technology are expected to accelerate market growth over the coming years. Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social is Mexico's largest public health care provider. Elekta received approval from the Mexican government to provide sophisticated radiation therapy equipment and software to this organization (IMSS).

Restraints For The Treatment Planning Systems And Advanced Image Processing Market

• High Costs And Lowers Adoption Rates Act As Major Restraints For The Market

The higher cost involved in the treatment planning software, less adoption rate in developing countries, and lack of skilled workforce to operate and plan the treatment using the software is restricting the development of the Treatment Planning Systems And Advanced Image Processing Market.

Opportunities For The Treatment Planning Systems And Advanced Image Processing Market

• Latest Technologies Are Bringing In Newer Opportunities

The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning by market participants in the development of oncology software solutions to improve treatment plans, cancer diagnosis, and cancer management is contributing to the expansion of the treatment planning systems and advanced image processing market. Increasing initiatives and projects to develop health information learning platforms to support improved quality of care for oncology are also expected to stimulate market growth. For instance, CancerLinQ, a big-data platform for oncology developed by CancerLinQ LLC, contained the data of 1,426,015 cancer patients from 63organizationss in the United States. Similarly, the new American College of Radiology Data Science Institute (ACR DSI) launched AI-LAB, a free software platform that allows radiologists to participate in the creation of validation and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care.

Regional Analysis

In 2023, 40.5% of the global treatment planning systems and advanced image processing market revenue was generated in North America. This portion of the region can be attributed to the expansion of healthcare IT infrastructure and the rapid adoption of advanced image processing and treatment planning solutions. In addition, the presence of advanced cancer research institutes and improved healthcare infrastructure are the primary factors driving the market in this region. North America's market for treatment planning systems and advanced image processing is expanding as a result of the rising demand for advanced, precise, and effective cancer treatment techniques.

However, in Asia-Pacific, the market for treatment planning systems and advanced image processing is expected to grow at a high CAGR over the forecast period due to the widespread adoption of healthcare IT solutions and constant advancements in healthcare in many developing economies such as India and China. The rising incidence of cancer and rising healthcare expenditures by both private and public players are fostering market expansion. For instance, Globocan estimates that in the Asia-Pacific region, there will be approximately 9,503,710 new cancer cases. In addition, initiatives by the government and private organizations to raise awareness and accelerate the adoption of advanced image processing solutions for cancer treatment are expected to drive market growth over the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

This market can be segmented on the basis of components, technique, application, and end-user.

Based on component, the market is divided into advanced image processing software and treatment planning software. In 2023, 88.1% of all revenue was generated by the treatment planning software segment. Further, treatment planning software is categorized into auto-contouring software, multi-modality software, pet/ct, deformable software, and DICOM-RT software. This high segment share is a result of the increasing prevalence of cancer and the rising demand for precise and innovative oncology therapy solutions. Increasing awareness regarding the adoption of treatment planning software solutions as a result of their efficacy in radiotherapy-based cancer treatment is also driving the segment's expansion. In addition, advancements in healthcare infrastructure, an increase in public-private partnerships, and a preference for software solutions over conventional practice are significant contributors to the segment's high revenue share.

In addition, the auto-contouring software subsegment of treatment planning software solutions held the largest market share in 2023, at 32.1%. Manual contouring lacks efficiency, precision, and standardization, limiting its adoption and increasing the demand for auto-contouring solutions for radiotherapy. In addition, the segment's growth is also influenced by an increase in product launches. For instance, Mirada Medical released the online version of the auto-contouring software 'DLCExpert' for the treatment of cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on technique, the market is divided into 3D Image Reconstruction, Computerized treatment planning systems (TPSs), and Image Registration using Graphics Processor Unit.

In 2021, the segment of image registration using graphics processor unit generated the greatest percentage of revenue, 27.4%. This proportion of the market is attributable to the significance of image dataset creation and registration in the treatment planning procedure. The medical image registration generates real-time image datasets from anatomical atlases and multiple image modalities to facilitate accurate and efficient dose planning. During cancer therapy, these solutions conduct validations on dosage accumulation, dose distribution, and contours using imaged datasets. Varian Medical Systems and RaySearch Laboratories are the two leading developers of platforms for validating image registration.

Based on end-user, the market is categorzied into hospitals, cancer research institutes, and diagnostic and treatment centers. In 2023, the hospital segment accounted fir the largest market share in treatment planning systems and advanced image processing market. For patient care, hospitals are the main end users of sophisticated image processing software and treatment planning systems. Further, cancer research institutes are anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period as these establishments conduct clinical trials, develop new drugs, and conduct research using cutting-edge technologies.

Recent Developments

• Fujitsu collaborated with University of Toronto researchers in February 2021 to develop technology to streamline radiation treatment plans for brain tumors and arteriovenous malformations.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mirada Medical released the online version of the auto-contouring software DLCExpert for the treatment of cancer in May 2020.
• In January of 2021, OncoLens secured USD 7.3 million in Series A funding. In addition, General Atlantic contributed approximately USD 200 million to the launch of OneOncology, a company designed to assist community oncology practices with technical data, innovation, and research.
• Accuray Inc. and Brainlab collaborated in October 2020 on the expansion of the Accuray CyberKnife treatment platform to improve patient outcomes in neuro-radiosurgery.
• By educating oncology practices, ViewRay Inc. and VieCure, an AI-based informatics company, collaborated in April 2020 to promote personalized cancer care.