Cancer remains one of the world’s largest health problems. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC / GLOBOCAN) estimated about 20 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2022 and roughly 9.7 million cancer deaths that year (Source: www.uicc.org).
In the United States, official federal data reports 1,851,238 new cancer cases in 2022 and 613,349 cancer deaths in 2023, underscoring continued demand for effective treatments (Source: www.cdc.gov).
Brachytherapy, placing radiation sources directly inside or next to a tumor, is a proven, high-precision option for several common cancers (prostate, cervix, breast, and some gynecologic tumors). Clinical reviews and registry analyses show brachytherapy remains widely used and effective: for example, studies of cervical cancer care reported utilization rates rising to about 76–79% in the 2018–2020 period in many settings, and clinical evidence links brachytherapy use to improved local control and survival in key indications (Source: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
As the world enters 2026, advances in imaging, afterloaders, electronic (X-ray) brachytherapy, seed technology, and treatment planning software are helping physicians deliver more precise doses while reducing treatment times and facility burden. According to Kings Research, the global Brachytherapy market is estimated to reach a valuation of $1760.9 million by 2031.
This blog highlights ten companies leading those developments and expanding access to brachytherapy care.
What is Brachytherapy?
Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy that is usually used to treat cancer. Radioactive materials such as ribbons, seeds, or capsules are inserted into or near a tumor.
Using a targeted strategy, the radiation exposure of the malignant area can be increased while the surrounding healthy tissue is exposed to as little radiation as possible.
It can be used in two ways:
- temporarily: where the radioactive source is removed from the body after a while.
- permanently: where radioactive seeds are introduced into the body and remain there, losing their radioactivity over time.
It is often used to treat various malignant diseases, e.g., in the head and neck, breast, cervix, and prostate. Additionally, vaginal brachytherapy is a targeted radiation treatment used primarily for gynecological cancers, delivering high doses of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
Top 10 Brachytherapy Companies
Some of the top 10 companies offering exceptional brachytherapy devices in the world include Eckert & Ziegler, BEBIG, Elekta AB, Theragenics Corp., Becton, Dickinson, and Co., Varian Medical Systems Inc., iCAD Inc., CIVCO Medical Solutions, Sun Nuclear Corp., and AngioDynamics Inc. Let’s learn about each company.
1. Eckert & Ziegler
Eckert & Ziegler is a global leader in the manufacture of radioactive isotopes used in internal radiation therapy, particularly for prostate cancer treatments. Recently, the company has focused on enhancing its product portfolio with the introduction of new radioactive sources and treatment planning software to improve patient outcomes.
2. BEBIG
BEBIG specializes in developing and supplying internal radiation therapy systems and sources for various types of cancer. The company has recently innovated by expanding its product line to include the Mick TP/TPV Applicator System, GAMMA systems, etc, which allow for more precise delivery of radiation in internal radiation therapy treatments, enhancing treatment effectiveness.
In January 2024, Cathay Capital announced a USD 17.4 million investment in BEBIG Medical to support the global go-to-market expansion of BEBIG’s linear accelerators and intraoperative radiation therapy devices. The funding builds on Cathay’s earlier backing and aims to advance BEBIG’s footprint in precision radiotherapy solutions.
3. Elekta AB
Elekta AB is a prominent provider of radiation therapy solutions, including brachytherapy, and is known for its advanced treatment planning systems. The company launched the new MediTech software, which improves the accuracy and efficiency of internal radiation therapy treatment planning.
4. Theragenics Corp
Theragenics Corp. focuses on the development and manufacturing of seeds and delivery systems required for cancer treatment. The company has made strides in improving its Strontium-90 eye applicator technology, enhancing its applications in treating ocular tumors.
5. Becton, Dickinson, and Co
Becton, Dickinson, and Co. is involved in the development of medical devices, including internal radiation therapy delivery systems. A recent innovation includes the integration of advanced imaging technology with internal radiation therapy systems to improve the precision of cancer targeting during treatment.
6. Varian Medical Systems Inc
Varian Medical Systems, a leader in cancer treatment technologies, offers a range of brachytherapy solutions. The company’s recent development includes the launch of the ProBeam proton therapy system, which incorporates capabilities for hybrid internal radiation therapy treatments, providing comprehensive cancer care.
7. iCAD Inc
iCAD Inc. is known for its cancer detection and treatment solutions, including internal radiation therapy technologies. The company has recently advanced its radiation therapy solutions by incorporating AI-driven analytics to enhance treatment planning and patient-specific care in internal radiation therapy.
8. CIVCO Medical Solutions
CIVCO Medical Solutions specializes in developing applicators and accessories. Recently, the company introduced the iGUIDE system, which enhances the precision of ultrasound-guided internal radiation therapy procedures, leading to improved patient outcomes.
9. Sun Nuclear Corp
Sun Nuclear Corp. provides innovative solutions for radiation therapy quality assurance. The company unveiled advancements in its Quality Assurance software that streamline brachytherapy treatment verification, ensuring higher standards for patient safety.
10. AngioDynamics Inc
AngioDynamics Inc. focuses on minimally invasive medical devices, including those used in internal radiation therapy. The company has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of enhanced Radiofrequency Ablation systems that can be used in conjunction with internal radiation therapy for more comprehensive cancer treatment.
3 Different Types of Implants Used in Brachytherapy
- Low Dose Rate (LDR):
In LDR internal radiation therapy, radioactive implants are placed either inside or very close to the tumor. These implants deliver continuous low doses of radiation over 1 to 7 days, and they are typically left in place permanently.
LDR is predominantly utilized for treating prostate cancer and brain tumors. This method allows for targeted radiation while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, thereby reducing potential side effects.
- High Dose Rate (HDR):
HDR involves inserting a single radioactive source into or near the tumor for a brief period, typically ranging from 10 to 20 minutes. The source is remotely controlled and can be moved through the body to deliver precise doses of radiation.
HDR treatment sessions can vary from twice daily for up to 5 days or once a week for up to 5 weeks. HDR is commonly used for treating cervical, prostate, and head and neck cancers.
- Permanent Implants:
Permanent implants used in internal radiation therapy are small, typically the size of a grain of rice, and they emit radiation continuously until they no longer pose a therapeutic dose. These implants remain in the body indefinitely. This method is commonly used for prostate cancer and some gynecological cancers.
The constant radiation emission helps in achieving a sustained treatment effect, targeting cancer cells while sparing nearby healthy tissues. The American Urological Association notes that permanent implants are advantageous for patients due to their minimal maintenance and the ability to deliver a consistent dose over time.
Final Thoughts
Brachytherapy leaders are combining technology, clinical collaboration, and global outreach to grow the field in 2026. Elekta has expanded its brachytherapy portfolio (including the acquisition of the Xoft electronic-brachytherapy business) and is investing in AI-enhanced imaging and treatment-planning tools to make targeted treatments faster and easier to deliver.
Varian continues to partner with clinics and industry to develop new applicators and clinical workflows that widen brachytherapy indications and improve usability in everyday practice.
Specialized manufacturers (for example, BEBIG / Eckert & Ziegler and IsoAid) keep improving seed and afterloader portfolios while supporting programs that place HDR/LDR units in underserved regions, a step that expands access to curative brachytherapy worldwide.
Together, these actions, strategic acquisitions, AI and software upgrades, new applicator designs, and targeted distribution to lower-resource settings, are helping brachytherapy stay a clinically essential, increasingly accessible option for many cancer patients in 2026.
