Hadron Therapy is a kind of radiation therapy which uses ionizing radiation for the treatment of cancer, the key difference is that the radiation beams are composed of charged particles (protons and other ions, such as carbon) in hadron therapy. The unique property of hadron therapy is physical and radiobiological properties of particles, which allow them to penetrate the tissues with less diffusion and transfer maximum energy within a specific area. As compared to X-rays, hadron therapy cause minimal damage to the healthy tissues surrounding the cancerous part, which is a critical part of radiation therapy for paediatric patients and tumours located around vital body structures. According to the European Network for LIGht ion Hadron Therapy, over 120,000 patients have been treated across the globe with hadron therapy, including 20,000 with carbon ions. According to Tata Memorial Centre, the cost of one round of hadron therapy treatment in the US is around USD 150,000-200,000.
Hadron Therapy Market: Drivers and Restraints
The key contributor to the growth of global hadron therapy market is increasing number of people diagnosed with cancer worldwide. Technological advancements such as reduced adverse effects and less radiation dose transferred to healthy tissues during the radiation procedure have attracted the attention of healthcare professionals and patients as well. However, very few number of therapy providers, high cost of the treatment, large area required for the installation of equipment, space for optimization and refinement of technology and lack of skilled clinicians may restrict the growth of the market.
