Proton Therapy Systems Market

The proton therapy systems market is anticipated to expand from US$ 1.56 billion in 2024 to US$ 3.27 billion by 2031, with an estimated CAGR of 11.2% during the period of 2025-2031.

Market Insights and Analyst Perspective:

The forecast for the proton therapy systems market can assist stakeholders in this sector in formulating their growth strategies.

A proton therapy system is a sophisticated medical apparatus utilized for delivering highly accurate radiation treatment for tumors. These systems are substantial in size and comprise an accelerator (cyclotron), beam transport system, energy selection system, and rotating gantry irradiation equipment. Due to their efficacy in treating specific cancer types, there is an increasing global demand for proton therapy. Factors such as the rising need for advanced treatments alongside the increasing incidence of cancer, as well as growing governmental support for proton therapy facilities, are driving the growth of the proton therapy systems market. However, the high costs and large footprint of proton therapy systems pose challenges to market expansion. Additionally, the increasing adoption of personalized treatment methods coupled with technological advancements is expected to introduce new trends in the proton therapy systems market in the years ahead.

Growth Drivers:

Increasing Demand for Advanced Treatments Amid Rising Cancer Incidence Fuels Market Growth

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), lung, breast, and prostate cancers had the highest incidence rates in 2022, with age-standardized rates of 23.6, 47.1, and 29.4 cases per 100,000 population, respectively. IARC estimates indicate that the total number of cancer cases is projected to rise from 19.98 million in 2022 to 23.71 million by 2030 and 30.97 million by 2045. Various cancer types, including head and neck cancers (nasal, oral, eye, and larynx) and brain cancers, have specific treatment needs, leading to a heightened demand for advanced treatment modalities such as intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT). Traditional radiation therapies, like X-ray radiation therapy, also expose healthy tissues surrounding the tumor to radiation, resulting in side effects and potential secondary cancers. In contrast, proton therapy effectively treats complex tumors in the brain and head and neck regions while minimizing damage to adjacent healthy tissues. Therefore, the high prevalence of cancer and the demand for advanced treatment options are propelling the growth of the proton therapy systems market.

Strategic Insights

Restraint:

High Costs and Large Footprint of Proton Therapy Systems

A proton therapy system is a sophisticated medical device utilized for precise radiation treatment of tumors. It is a large apparatus that includes an accelerator (cyclotron), beam transport system, energy selection system, and rotating gantry irradiation equipment, resulting in significant space requirements and high equipment costs. According to the University of Pennsylvania (Oncolink), cyclotrons in proton therapy systems can weigh up to 200 tons and have diameters of 6-12 feet. The gantry can weigh around 100 tons and measure 40 feet in diameter. A study published in 2021 in IOPscience indicates that even a compact design (single-room setup) requires an area of 100 sq. m., while multi-room proton therapy systems need 200-400 sq. m. of space.

Moreover, proton therapy systems are highly capital-intensive. For example, a single-room system may cost approximately US$ 30-50 million, while multi-gantry proton systems can start at around US$ 300 million, typically installed only in large hospitals and university systems. Consequently, the substantial capital investment and extensive installation space required are significant factors hindering the growth of the proton therapy systems market.

Report Segmentation and Scope:

The analysis of the proton therapy systems market has been conducted by examining the following segments: setup type and application.

By setup type, the market is divided into single room and multi room. The multi room segment held a larger share of the proton therapy systems market in 2022. Furthermore, the single room segment is expected to exhibit a faster CAGR during the forecast period.

In terms of application, the market is categorized into brain and central nervous system cancer, head and neck cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and others. The brain and central nervous system cancer segment accounted for the largest share of the proton therapy systems market in 2022 and is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis:

Geographically, the scope of the proton therapy systems market report encompasses North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South & Central America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2022, North America held the largest market share. The increasing acceptance and adoption of advanced medical devices, the high prevalence of cancer, and product innovations by key players contribute to the growth of the proton therapy systems market in North America. According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, the US recorded approximately 1.95 million new cancer cases and around 0.61 million cancer-related deaths in 2023, showing a significant rise from 1.60 million cases and 0.60 million deaths reported in 2020. As per the Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group, by the end of 2023, the US had the highest number of proton therapy systems globally, with 46 treatment facilities.

Proton Therapy Systems Market Report Scope

Industry Developments and Future Opportunities:

Several strategic developments by leading players in the proton therapy systems market, as reported in company press releases, are highlighted below:

1. In January 2024, OncoRay introduced a prototype for a whole-body MRI-guided proton therapy system designed for real-time tracking of moving tumors using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during treatment. The MRI enhances tumor visualization, providing better contrast compared to traditional imaging methods, allowing for more accurate delineation of the tumor from surrounding healthy tissue and improved definition of the irradiated volume.
2. In December 2023, HKSH Medical Group inaugurated a new proton therapy center at the HKSH Eastern Medical Centre in A Kung Ngam, Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong. This center features an advanced proton therapy system and two state-of-the-art treatment rooms, including two half-rotating proton therapy gantries, the latest beam transport system, and a synchrotron-based accelerator.

Competitive Landscape and Key Companies:

Prominent companies profiled in the proton therapy systems market report include Varian Medical Systems Inc, Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd, Hitachi Ltd, Ion Beam Applications SA, Mevion Medical Systems, Provision Healthcare LLC, ProTom International, Optivus Proton Therapy Inc, Advanced Oncotherapy plc, and B dot Medical Inc. These companies are focused on developing new technologies, enhancing existing products, and expanding their geographic reach to meet the increasing global demand.

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