Cancer Therapies Branch Out as Brachytherapy Gains Popularity

Friday 27 July 2012, Amsterdam

While the increasing incidence of cancer is supporting the market for all cancer treatments, brachytherapy is succeeding on its own terms, as an economical, convenient and effective outpatient procedure which can provide treatment tailored to individual patient’s needs, states the new Brachytherapy Devices - Global Opportunity Assessment, Competitive Landscape and Market Forecasts to 2018 report.

Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy used for the treatment of cancer, and involves placing a radioactive material inside or near the tumor. This is also known as internal radiation therapy, and allows the physician to treat a small area with a higher dose of radiation in a shorter time than for EBRT. Technological advancements such as three-dimensional (3D) treatment planning solutions allow physicians to administer incredibly accurate and precise doses, resulting in a dramatic decrease in treatment and recovery times. Permanent brachytherapy involves the insertion of radioactive pellets inside or near the tumor to then be left inside the body, while a temporary brachytherapy involves placing a highly radioactive material inside a catheter or slender tube for a specific amount of time.

The brachytherapy devices market is expected to be driven by the increasing incidence of cancer. Brachytherapy is a highly effective, outpatient procedure that is easily customizable to patients’ individual needs, and offers many benefits to the increasing numbers of patients opting for non-invasive treatment options. Brachytherapy is a high-value treatment option, which costs substantially lower than those for radical prostatectomy and Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).

The positive outcome associated with temporary High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy for gynecological cancers have made brachytherapy standard treatment protocol, and a similar trend of acceptance for the treatment of other types of cancer may drive future growth of the US brachytherapy devices market. Brachytherapy is currently used to treat prostate, cervix, head and neck, skin and breast cancers, but the higher adoption of brachytherapy for the treatment of cancers such as brain tumor, liver cancer and macular degeneration will continue to drive demand for brachytherapy devices in the future.

However, a more impressive track record would help to promote brachytherapy, and defend the effectiveness of the treatment against opposing evidence. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association claimed that older women treated with brachytherapy suffer more complications and are at a higher risk of recurrence, and are more likely to require a mastectomy later in life. Further research and more long-term studies are needed, therefore, in order to prove brachytherapy as an essential weapon against cancer.

The global brachytherapy devices market is forecast to grow from $268.2m in 2011 to $322m by 2018 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3%.

This report provides key data, information and analysis on the global brachytherapy devices market. The report provides market landscape, competitive landscape and market trends information on the market, as well as comprehensive information on the key trends affecting the market, and key analytical content on the market dynamics. It also reviews the competitive landscape and technology offerings.

This report was built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by a team of industry experts.