Report

India proton therapy market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.00% from FY2025 to FY2032, increasing from USD 21.27 million in FY2024 to USD 45.60 million by FY2032. The proton therapy market in India is propelled by the rising cancer incidence, increased healthcare expenditure, growing cancer facilities, and advances in precision radiation technology. Furthermore, government programs, growing awareness, and partnerships with international healthcare leaders also drive adoption. Growing affordability, medical tourism, and demand for safer, targeted cancer treatment also support the market expansion.
Cancer is emerging as a major public health concern in India, with a rising incidence due to lifestyle changes, environmental exposures, and the aging of the population. In line with this concern, the government and private sectors are reinforcing healthcare infrastructure in the form of national programs, early detection programs, and better access to treatment. The establishment of new cancer treatment centers throughout the country is vital to the improvement of patient care. In December 2024, the government declared the opening of a new cancer center in Kochi to be established as the Cochin Cancer Research Centre (CCRC). This center is likely to be operational between February and May 2025. Furthermore, a specialized block of the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Ernakulam is likely to be ready by April 2025.
Moreover, hospital partnerships with research institutions and global health authorities are assisting in the introduction of the newest oncology technologies. Increasing demand for improved treatment alternatives, along with increasing patient and medical professional awareness, is assisting in accelerating the development of proton therapy in India. With an emphasis on the provision of high-precision, low-toxicity cancer treatment, the proton therapy market is poised for long-term growth, with the potential to offer significant investment opportunities, infrastructure development, and improved patient outcomes in the country.
Increasing Research Activities Supports Market Expansion
India is developing its cancer research landscape by strengthening their R&D sector, with government efforts, research collaborations, and more funding. As the number of cancer patients grows, measures are being taken to enhance cancer management and treatment. One of the notable advancements is India's achievement in proton therapy accessibility. For example, in May 2023, a proton beam facility has been established at the Tata Memorial Centre's Kharghar campus, the first one in the public sector. The purpose is to facilitate treatment conveniently for cancer patients by offering free treatment to some needy patients while offering subsidized prices to other cancer patients. This is an effort to manage the rising numbers of cancer patients in India. In September 2024, Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) announced in-house research to maximize the utility of proton beam therapy, a cutting-edge radiation therapy for pediatric and adult cancers. TMC's Advanced Centre for Treatment Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC) will collaborate with international researchers and assess which patient groups benefit the most from proton therapy. Such efforts in the country present promising expansion potential for the proton therapy market.
Rising Public Awareness Campaigns Boosting Market Growth
Rising public awareness of cancer and the treatment process is considerably propelling the proton therapy market growth. Some awareness campaigns in India focus on the importance of early detection, which leads to frequent screening and medical checkups. This proactive strategy leads to the prompt detection of cancers that can be treated with proton therapy and hence contributes to the increasing pool of patients for advanced care. In India, efforts toward making people aware about cancer and cognizant of the benefit of early detection are on a massive scale, thus propelling the growth of the proton therapy market. Large-scale cancer care centers are conducting awareness programs. For instance, in October 2024, the Apollo Cancer Centre conducted the "Men in Pink Walkathon" in Chennai, urging men to raise their voices for breast cancer screening among women in their lives. Such activities stimulate a stir about early detection, in the process creating the need for proton therapy.
Hospitals Holding the Major Shares of the Proton Therapy Market
India's hospital sector is at the forefront of the increasing demand for proton therapy as hospitals are the primary end-users of this new-generation cancer treatment. The trend is expected to continue during the forecast period with the increasing prevalence of cancer, increasing expenditure on healthcare infrastructure, and extensive adoption of new advanced medical technologies. Some of India's top hospitals, such as Apollo Cancer Care Centre, Tata Memorial Centre, and AIG Hospitals, have recently added proton therapy to their treatment facilities. These hospitals are also trying to make it more affordable so that more patients can take advantage of this new generation of technology. Launch of such specialized facilities is proving to be a key factor in improving cancer treatment outcomes in the country. Also, the Indian government is putting efforts to make proton therapy more cost-effective and available in the country. India provides this treatment at a lower cost as compared to many Western countries, which makes it a desirable choice for individuals seeking advanced cancer treatment. Moreover, the growing awareness among individuals is reflected by the rise in the number of specialized centers and government-supported schemes to make the cost more affordable. Due to this, demand for proton therapy in India is increasing at a very fast pace, driving market growth and making India one of the foremost destinations for advanced cancer treatment.
Future Market Scenario (FY2025 -FY2032F)
India's proton therapy market will experience robust growth, owing to growing adoption and expanding infrastructure. Since 2019, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) has seen over 1,200 patients with pencil beam scanning technology for various cancers. Tata Memorial Center's government-funded center is expanding access too. Awareness, technological advancements, and government policies are primary drivers. Increasingly, proton therapy will become an established component of India's cancer care, as acceptance increases and results improve.
Furthermore, developments in India's healthcare industry and technological advancements are driving the growth of proton therapy. In January 2025, AIG Hospital in Hyderabad installed DynamicARC proton therapy, the first to be equipped in Southeast Asia. The achievement is a testament to its mission of making advanced, efficient, and affordable cancer treatment for Indian patients and setting a new benchmark in the region. Investments in cancer centers are increasing, accessibility has been enhanced, and awareness has picked up pace, driving adoption. Advanced facilities and collaborations are enhancing precision medicine, driving market expansion, and enhanced patient access.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The competitive landscape of proton therapy in India is changing, with significant players looking to strengthen their positions through strategic partnerships with hospitals. Proton therapy companies are raising awareness and creating more education about the benefits of proton therapy in healthcare institutions. Investments in advanced technology, expanding treatment centers, and partnerships with research organizations further drive growth. These strategies, thereby improving access in addition to developing providers as experts in their specializations, will respond to a growing demand for advanced cancer treatment in India.
In July 2023, Ion Beam Applications SA (IBA) and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre partnered to offer proton beam therapy training, and India is now the first in Southeast Asia to offer it to international oncologists. This strategic move enhances IBA's leadership in the Asian market by offering high-end proton therapy training and education programs to its customers, further cementing its dedication to innovation and excellence in cancer treatment.