Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) Market By Technology (Electron IORT; X-ray IORT; High-Dose Rate [HDR] Brachytherapy); By Application (Breast Cancer; Brain Tumors; Gastrointestinal Cancer; Lung Cancer; Head & Neck Cancer; Others); By End-User (Hospitals; Specialty Cancer Centers; Ambulatory Surgical Centers); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2032.

Intraoperative Radiation Therapy Market Size & Overview

The Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) Market was valued at approximately $60 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $120 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period. The market is driven by the increasing prevalence of cancer, rising demand for targeted radiation therapy, and advancements in mobile IORT devices.

 

 IORT is a specialized form of radiation therapy administered directly to the tumor site during surgery, reducing the need for multiple post-operative radiation sessions and minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This technique is particularly effective in treating breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, brain tumors, and colorectal cancer, among others. Growing awareness of personalized cancer treatment, along with increasing adoption of AI-based radiation planning and real-time imaging, is further propelling market growth. However, challenges such as high equipment costs, limited healthcare accessibility, and stringent regulatory approvals may hinder adoption, particularly in developing regions. Despite these barriers, the expanding applications of IORT, coupled with strategic investments in radiation oncology research, are expected to drive long-term market expansion.

 

Intraoperative Radiation Therapy Market Dynamics:

Market Drivers:

Rising Incidence of Cancer and Growing Preference for Targeted Radiation Therapy

The increasing prevalence of breast cancer, brain tumors, gastrointestinal cancers, and prostate cancer is a key driver for the Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer cases are expected to rise by 47% globally by 2040, significantly driving the need for more efficient, localized treatment options like IORT. Unlike conventional external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), which requires multiple sessions over several weeks, IORT delivers a concentrated dose of radiation during surgery, reducing overall treatment time and improving patient outcomes. For instance, breast cancer cases have seen a 20% increase globally in the last decade, leading to greater adoption of IORT techniques such as electron beam IORT (EB-IORT) and low-energy X-ray IORT in oncology treatment centers.

Advantages of IORT Over Traditional Radiation Therapies

IORT provides several clinical benefits compared to traditional radiation therapies. A key advantage is its ability to minimize radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues by directly targeting the tumor bed, reducing side effects such as radiation dermatitis and fibrosis. A study published in The Lancet Oncology reported that patients who received IORT for early-stage breast cancer had a 35% lower recurrence rate compared to those undergoing whole-breast radiation therapy. Additionally, IORT is associated with shorter hospital stays and lower healthcare costs, making it an attractive option for both patients and healthcare providers.

 

Market Opportunities:

Technological Advancements and Integration of AI in Radiation Therapy

Continuous advancements in radiation therapy technology, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time imaging, are creating new opportunities in the IORT market. AI-based radiation dose planning systems are being developed to enhance the accuracy and precision of intraoperative radiation delivery. Companies like Carl Zeiss Meditec and iCAD Inc. are investing in machine learning algorithms to optimize radiation dose calculation, ensuring better tumor control while reducing toxicity. The introduction of miniaturized mobile IORT devices is also enabling hospitals to adopt cost-effective solutions without extensive infrastructure investments.

Expanding Applications of IORT in Other Cancers Beyond Breast Cancer

While breast cancer treatment remains the leading application of IORT, its expanding use in treating other malignancies presents significant growth potential. The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has recognized the effectiveness of IORT in treating brain tumors, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and soft tissue sarcomas. In particular, pancreatic cancer, which has a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%, is seeing promising outcomes with IORT used in combination with surgical tumor resection. Hospitals and research institutions are actively conducting clinical trials to explore new indications for IORT, further driving its market expansion.

 

Market Restraints:

High Equipment Costs and Limited Availability of IORT Devices

Despite its advantages, IORT remains a high-cost treatment modality, limiting its adoption, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The cost of an IORT system can range from $500,000 to over $1.5 million, making it a significant investment for hospitals. Moreover, many healthcare facilities lack the necessary operating room setup and trained radiation oncologists to perform IORT effectively. A survey by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that only 15% of hospitals in the U.S. offer IORT, with accessibility being even lower in developing nations.

Regulatory Challenges and Lack of Standardized Guidelines

The implementation of IORT is subject to strict regulatory approvals and compliance with radiation safety standards, which can delay market growth. Different regions have varying approval requirements for radiation therapy devices, leading to longer product development timelines for manufacturers. Additionally, there is a lack of standardized treatment protocols for IORT across different types of cancers, making it difficult for oncologists to incorporate it into routine clinical practice. The European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) has highlighted the need for global consensus guidelines on IORT dose optimization to enhance its widespread adoption.

 

Intraoperative Radiation Therapy Market Segmentation: A Comprehensive Overview

By Technology

• Electron IORT

• X-ray IORT

• High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy

 

By Application

• Breast Cancer

• Brain Tumors

• Gastrointestinal Cancer

• Lung Cancer

• Head & Neck Cancer

• Others

 

By End-User

• Hospitals

• Specialty Cancer Centers

• Ambulatory Surgical Centers

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

 

Intraoperative Radiation Therapy Market Segment Analysis: Growth Trends Across Categories

By Technology:

Leading Segment: Electron IORT

Electron Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) holds the largest market share in the intraoperative radiation therapy market, with a significant adoption rate in breast cancer and other solid tumor treatments. Electron IORT is preferred due to its ability to deliver targeted radiation directly to the tumor site while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This targeted approach provides better precision and effectiveness, which is why it's highly favored by surgeons during complex tumor surgeries. As of recent market reports, Electron IORT is estimated to hold a market share of 45-50%, making it the dominant technology in the field.

Fastest-Growing Segment: X-ray IORT

X-ray IORT is the fastest-growing technology segment, expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 10.2% over the forecast period. This growth is driven by its application in various cancers, including breast and head & neck cancers, due to its versatility and ability to treat tumors at deeper depths compared to Electron IORT. Advances in X-ray IORT technology, as well as its increasing use in clinical practice, are contributing to its rapid adoption, particularly in developing regions where healthcare infrastructure is improving.

 

By Application:

Leading Segment: Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the leading application in the intraoperative radiation therapy market, accounting for around 40-45% of the total market share. This is due to the high incidence of breast cancer worldwide and the growing preference for breast-conserving surgeries combined with radiation therapy. IORT is particularly valuable in breast cancer treatment, as it allows for targeted radiation to the tumor bed immediately after tumor removal, minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding tissues. The increasing number of breast cancer surgeries globally contributes to the dominance of this segment.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Head & Neck Cancer

The fastest-growing segment in intraoperative radiation therapy is Head & Neck Cancer, with a CAGR of approximately 8.9%. This growth is attributed to the rising incidence of head and neck cancers, particularly in regions with high smoking and alcohol consumption rates. IORT offers a promising treatment option for these cancers as it allows for precise radiation during surgery, which improves patient outcomes by reducing the risk of recurrence. As awareness and treatment options improve, this segment is expected to expand rapidly.

 

By End-User:

Leading Segment: Hospitals

Hospitals represent the largest end-user segment in the intraoperative radiation therapy market, with an estimated market share of 55-60%. The use of IORT in hospitals is driven by their established infrastructure, access to advanced medical equipment, and skilled surgical teams. Hospitals, particularly those with specialized cancer treatment centers, are equipped to offer intraoperative radiation therapy as part of comprehensive cancer care. Additionally, large healthcare systems have the resources to invest in expensive IORT equipment, solidifying the dominance of this segment.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Specialty Cancer Centers

Specialty cancer centers are the fastest-growing end-user segment, expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 9.5%. The increasing focus on specialized cancer treatment and the availability of cutting-edge technology in these centers are driving this growth. As more cancer centers adopt IORT for various types of cancer treatments, the demand for intraoperative radiation therapy is expected to rise in this segment, particularly in regions with high cancer incidence and advanced healthcare facilities.

 

By Region:

Leading Region: North America

North America is the leading region in the intraoperative radiation therapy market, holding around 40-45% of the total market share. The region is home to advanced healthcare systems, numerous specialized cancer treatment centers, and a high rate of adoption of new medical technologies. The prevalence of cancer, particularly breast cancer and gastrointestinal cancer, along with strong healthcare infrastructure in the U.S. and Canada, drives the demand for IORT. Furthermore, favorable reimbursement policies and increased healthcare spending contribute to the region's dominance.

Fastest-Growing Region: Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is the fastest-growing market for intraoperative radiation therapy, with a CAGR of approximately 11.3%. This growth is driven by increasing healthcare investments, rising cancer incidences, and the growing adoption of advanced medical technologies in countries like Japan, China, and India. Additionally, the expanding healthcare infrastructure and government support for improving cancer treatment options are contributing to the rapid market expansion in APAC. As awareness of IORT technology increases and the number of specialized cancer centers grows, the demand for intraoperative radiation therapy in this region is set to increase significantly.

 

Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) Market Report Coverage

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2032
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 60 Million
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 120 Million
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 10.2% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2017 – 2021
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Technology, By Application, By End-User, By Geography
By Technology	Electron IORT; X-ray IORT; High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
By Application	Breast Cancer; Brain Tumors; Gastrointestinal Cancer; Lung Cancer; Head & Neck Cancer; Others
By End-User	Hospitals; Specialty Cancer Centers; Ambulatory Surgical Centers
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	US, Canada, Germany, China, India, etc.
Market Drivers	Rising cancer prevalence, increasing adoption of targeted radiation therapies, technological advancements in radiation therapy
Pricing and Purchase Options	Customized options available

 

Key Players in the Intraoperative Radiation Therapy Market

• ZEISS Group

• iCAD, Inc.

• Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (a Siemens Healthineers company)

• Sensus Healthcare, Inc.

• Elekta AB

• IntraOp Medical Corporation

• GMV Innovating Solutions

• Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

• Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)

• Isoray, Inc.

 

Recent Developments

• In 2024, ZEISS Group expanded the application of its INTRABEAM 600 system to neurosurgical procedures, specifically targeting brain metastases and glioblastomas. Clinical studies demonstrated that administering a high dose of IORT during surgery could prolong local control rates and overall survival in glioblastoma patients. This advancement underscores ZEISS's commitment to enhancing IORT applications beyond breast cancer treatments.

• In 2023, Elekta AB collaborated with leading neurosurgeons to integrate IORT into standard neurosurgical workflows for treating brain metastases. This initiative aimed to improve local tumor control and reduce radiation-induced side effects by delivering targeted radiation during tumor resection surgeries. The approach has shown promise in enhancing patient outcomes and streamlining treatment processes.

• In 2022, IntraOp Medical Corporation emphasized the potential of IORT in treating pancreatic cancer. Technical developments in IORT have significantly improved radiation therapy for pancreatic cancers by reducing normal tissue dose and allowing for dose escalation, thereby enhancing locoregional control.

 

Future Outlook

The future outlook for the Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) market is highly promising, driven by the increasing adoption of minimally invasive cancer treatments, technological advancements in radiation delivery systems, and expanding clinical applications beyond breast cancer to brain, gastrointestinal, and head & neck tumors. As the global cancer burden continues to rise, hospitals and specialty cancer centers are increasingly integrating IORT into multimodal treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes, reduce recurrence rates, and minimize radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Moreover, advancements in electron and X-ray-based IORT systems, along with real-time imaging and AI-driven radiation planning, are expected to enhance the precision and effectiveness of intraoperative treatments. However, challenges such as high equipment costs, limited availability of trained specialists, and regulatory approvals may hinder widespread adoption. Despite these challenges, strong clinical evidence supporting IORT’s efficacy, increasing research collaborations, and growing investments in radiation oncology are set to drive significant market growth, making IORT a crucial component of future cancer treatment strategies.