Market Definition
Particle therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy that uses charged particles such as protons and heavy ions, instead of conventional X-rays, to treat cancer. It delivers energy directly to the tumor site with minimal exit dose, thereby reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and vital organs.
This therapy is especially effective for complex tumors, including those located near critical structures or in pediatric patients, where tissue preservation is crucial. Particle therapy integrates advanced imaging, motion management, and intensity modulation to deliver highly targeted and adaptable treatment options.
Its applications are rapidly expanding across oncology, with its use in brain, spine, head and neck cancers, as well as radioresistant tumors. The technique is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of precision oncology, helping improve survival rates while reducing long-term side effects.
Particle Therapy Market Overview
According to Kings Research, the global particle therapy market size was valued at USD 614.7 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 657.1 million in 2025 to USD 1,084.4 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.27% over the forecast period.
Compact single-room proton therapy systems reduce footprint, cost, and installation complexity, making them more suitable for hospital adoption. This shift is reshaping the market by improving accessibility and supporting faster global expansion.
Key Market Highlights:
- The particle therapy industry was recorded at USD 614.7 million in 2024.
- The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.27% from 2025 to 2032.
- North America held a market of 35.95% in 2024, valued at USD 221.0 million.
- The proton segment garnered USD 259.2 million in revenue in 2024.
- The single room segment is expected to reach USD 667.5 million by 2032.
- The breast segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 7.80% over the forecast period.
- The treatment segment is predicted to hold a market share of 56.93% in 2032.
- Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.14% through the projection period.
Major companies operating in the particle therapy market are IBA Worldwide, Hitachi, Ltd., Siemens, Mevion Medical Systems, Provision Healthcare, Optivus Proton Therapy, Inc., Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., ProTom International, Accuray Incorporated, P-Cure, Best Particle Therapy, Inc., B dot Medical Inc., Elekta AB, MedAustron, and Tera-Care Foundation.
Emerging multi-ion therapy research is opening new possibilities in the particle therapy landscape by exploring the clinical potential of helium, oxygen, and carbon ions in addition to protons.
Each ion type offers distinct biological advantages, with heavier ions providing higher linear energy transfer (LET), resulting in greater tumor control for radioresistant cancers. Research initiatives by companiesin Europe and Asia are focusing on developing dual or multi-ion treatment facilities, enabling flexibility in matching particle type to tumor biology.
- In April 2024, the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), in partnership with Sumitomo Heavy Industries, developed a next-generation “quantum scalpel” for heavy particle radiotherapy. The team created a multi-ion source using neon, oxygen, and helium ions, enabling multi-ion radiotherapy, and installed the system at QST’s HIMAC facility for further research.
Market Driver
Expansion of Pediatric Cancer Care
The expansion of pediatric cancer care is significantly influencing the market, as children are particularly sensitive to radiation and the long-term side effects of conventional treatments.
Proton therapy, with its reduced exit dose and minimal impact on healthy tissue, is increasingly adopted in specialized pediatric oncology programs worldwide. Dedicated facilities are being designed to accommodate child-friendly environments and advanced immobilization techniques to improve treatment outcomes and patient experience.
- In 2025, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents aged 0–19 years developed cancer each year, highlighting the critical healthcare burden associated with pediatric oncology worldwide.
Market Challenge
Limited Number of Trained Professionals
The limited number of trained professionals remains a significant challenge in the particle therapy market, as the operation of accelerators, beamlines, and treatment planning systems requires highly skilled radiation oncologists, physicists, and engineers.
This shortage also impacts patient throughput, operational efficiency, and research progress, creating barriers for healthcare providers seeking to expand services.
To overcome this challenge, companies are investing in specialized training programs, academic collaborations, and international partnerships. These efforts aim to create a steady pipeline of skilled professionals capable of supporting clinical operations and innovation in particle therapy.
- In June 2025, IBA Worldwide launched the Proton Therapy Academy, a global training and education initiative developed with leading proton therapy institutions, addressing the critical need for specialized education and training among healthcare professionals in advanced cancer treatment.
Market Trend
Integration of Imaging and AI in Treatment Planning
The integration of imaging and AI in treatment planning is transforming particle therapy into a more adaptive and precise treatment modality. Advanced imaging technologies such as MRI, PET, and CT are being combined with artificial intelligence algorithms to create real-time adaptive plans that account for tumor motion and anatomical changes.
AI supports faster optimization of dose distribution, predictive analytics for patient response, and automation of workflow, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy. This trend is advancing the capabilities of proton and carbon ion therapies, enabling clinicians to deliver truly personalized treatments.
- In June 2025, RaySearch Laboratories showcased advanced particle therapy software, integrating imaging and AI to enhance adaptive cancer care. Its portfolio, including RayStation, RayCare, RayIntelligence, and RayCommand, featured AI-driven image segmentation, high-speed adaptive replanning, and improved automated planning for intelligent treatment delivery.
Particle Therapy Market Report Snapshot
Segmentation |
Details |
By Type |
Proton, Heavy Ion, Others |
By System |
Single Room, Multi-room |
By Cancer |
Pediatric, Breast, Lung, Head & Neck, Others |
By Application |
Treatment, Research |
By Region |
North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico |
Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe |
|
Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific |
|
Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa |
|
South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America |
Market Segmentation:
- By Type (Proton, Heavy Ion, and Others): The proton segment captured the largest share of 42.17% in 2024, propelled by the superior clinical effectiveness, reduced toxicity, and broader adoption across pediatric, brain, and head-and-neck cancer treatments.
- By System (Single Room and Multi-room): The single room segment is poised to record the fastest CAGR of 7.48% through the forecast period, owing to lower capital costs, smaller footprint, and faster adoption by community hospitals.
- By Cancer (Pediatric, Breast, Lung, Head & Neck, and Others): The breast segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.80% over the forecast period, due to the rising prevalence, clinical validation of proton therapy benefits, and improved survivorship outcomes.
- By Application (Treatment and Research): The treatment segment secured the largest revenue of USD 617.4 million in 2024, owing to the high patient throughput, increasing therapy sessions, and growing integration of proton therapy into clinical protocols.
Particle Therapy Market Regional Analysis
Based on region, the global market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.
North America particle therapy market share stood at 35.95% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 221.0 million. The region has maintained a strong leadership position due to the presence of multiple operational proton therapy centers, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and high adoption of cutting-edge oncology treatments.
Research collaborations between academic institutions and industry players have further accelerated clinical innovation, especially in pediatric oncology and head-and-neck cancer therapies. In addition, strong reimbursement policies in certain U.S. states and continued federal support for cancer research are supporting wider access to particle therapy.
The region’s market growth is supported by a strong pipeline of compact systems deployed in community hospitals, indicating expansion beyond primary academic institutions.
- According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in the United States in 2025, an estimated 9,550 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed among children from birth to 14 years.
Asia Pacific is poised for significant growth at a robust CAGR of 8.14% over the forecast period, supported by rapid cancer incidence, rising healthcare investments, and increasing government focus on advanced oncology infrastructure.
Japan and China lead adoption with large multi-room facilities, while South Korea and India expand capacity. Simultaneously, local manufacturers provide cost-efficient solutions, enhancing affordability and supporting broader access to advanced multi-ion therapy across the region.
Regulatory Frameworks
- In the U.S., the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) regulates medical devices, including particle therapy systems. It ensures safety and effectiveness before commercialization.
- In the EU, the Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745) governs particle therapy equipment. It establishes clinical evaluation and post-market surveillance requirements.
- In Japan, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act (PMD Act) regulates particle therapy systems, requiring PMDA approval for commercialization.
- In China, the Regulations for the Supervision and Administration of Medical Devices (2021) regulate equipment such as proton and carbon ion systems, ensuring compliance and quality standards.
- In Canada, the Medical Devices Regulations (SOR/98-282) under the Food and Drugs Act regulate particle therapy devices. It mandates Health Canada licensing and evidence of safety, performance, and compliance.
Competitive Landscape
Key players operating in the particle therapy market are pursuing technology differentiation, global expansion, and clinical validation strategies. Development of compact, single-room systems is central to reducing installation barriers and expanding access to mid-sized hospitals.
Companies prioritize partnerships with oncology networks and research institutions to drive adoption and advance multi-ion therapy research. Continued investment in R&D focuses on integrating imaging, artificial intelligence, and adaptive planning to enhance clinical outcomes.
- In July 2025, Hitachi High-Tech secured a contract with Tokyo Metropolitan Hospital Organization to deliver a proton therapy system at Komagome Hospital, featuring one accelerator and two rotating gantry treatment rooms in a compact layout.
Top Companies in Particle Therapy Market:
- IBA Worldwide
- Hitachi, Ltd.
- Siemens
- Mevion Medical Systems
- Provision Healthcare
- Optivus Proton Therapy, Inc.
- Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
- ProTom International
- Accuray Incorporated
- P-Cure
- Best Particle Therapy, Inc.
- B dot Medical Inc.
- Elekta AB
- MedAustron
- Tera-Care Foundation
Recent Developments:
- In August 2025, IBA Worldwide and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) finalized a contract to install a ProteusONE compact proton therapy system on the Heidelberg campus. This is aimed at expanding UKHD’s particle therapy program and enhancing access to advanced cancer treatments.
- In August 2025, Mevion Medical Systems announced that Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah signed a contract for a MEVION S250i Proton Therapy System, to double its treatment capacity and expand access for patients with diverse cancers, including pediatric, head and neck, and breast cancers.
- In June 2025, Varian Medical Systems received U.S. FDA clearance for its ProBeam 360° Compact Proton Therapy System, designed for faster installation and reduced footprint, enhancing accessibility to advanced proton therapy in community hospitals.
- In October 2023, Hitachi, Ltd. delivered a proton therapy system to the National Cancer Centre Singapore marking Hitachi’s inaugural proton therapy system in operation across Southeast Asia.