Global Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

The global radioactive iodine ablation (RAI) therapy market can be segmented by application, which includes differentiated thyroid cancers such as papillary and follicular thyroid cancers, as well as hyperthyroidism. Differentiated thyroid cancer treatment is the primary application for RAI therapy due to the ability of thyroid tissue to absorb iodine, allowing the radioactive iodine to target and destroy cancerous cells selectively. With rising thyroid cancer cases worldwide, this segment represents a significant share of the market. Additionally, clinical guidelines in many countries recommend RAI as a standard post-surgical treatment for certain types of differentiated thyroid cancers, driving demand in this application segment.

In terms of end-user segmentation, the market includes hospitals, specialty clinics, and nuclear medicine centers, which play distinct roles in delivering RAI therapy. Hospitals account for a large market share as they often have the necessary infrastructure and nuclear medicine departments to administer RAI therapy safely and effectively. Additionally, the growing number of thyroid cancer cases treated in hospital settings contributes to this segment’s prominence. Specialty clinics and dedicated nuclear medicine centers are also essential, providing specialized treatment options that cater to outpatient and ambulatory patients. The expansion of nuclear medicine facilities and training of healthcare professionals in RAI therapy administration are further bolstering the market's growth in this segment.

Geographically, the market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa, each region with unique factors influencing market dynamics. North America and Europe currently dominate the market due to high healthcare spending, advanced nuclear medicine infrastructure, and strong regulatory frameworks. The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the fastest growth due to rising awareness, increasing healthcare investments, and higher prevalence of thyroid disorders in densely populated countries such as China and India. In emerging regions like Latin America and the Middle East and Africa, improvements in healthcare accessibility and infrastructure are gradually facilitating the adoption of RAI therapy, further expanding the global market.

Global Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy Market has been segmented by Technology, End User, Application, and Geography.

Global Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy Market, Segmentation by Technology

The Global Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy Market has been segmented by Technology into Gamma Radiation and Beta Radiation.

In the global radioactive iodine ablation therapy market, technology segmentation can be divided into gamma radiation and beta radiation. Gamma radiation, primarily emitted by iodine-131, is the predominant technology used in radioactive iodine ablation therapy for thyroid cancer and certain hyperthyroid conditions. Gamma radiation’s ability to penetrate body tissues allows for effective imaging and precise targeting of residual thyroid cells post-surgery, making it the preferred choice for differentiated thyroid cancer treatments. Its high penetration capability aids in better localization of iodine uptake within the thyroid tissue, allowing for targeted ablation and destruction of cancerous cells without impacting surrounding healthy tissue.

Beta radiation, also emitted by iodine-131, plays a complementary yet critical role in radioactive iodine ablation therapy. While gamma radiation aids in imaging, beta particles are directly responsible for the therapeutic effect by destroying targeted thyroid cells upon absorption. The relatively shallow penetration depth of beta particles makes them highly effective at delivering localized cell damage within the thyroid, minimizing exposure to non-thyroidal tissue. This dual mechanism — with beta radiation providing targeted therapeutic action and gamma radiation allowing monitoring — enhances the safety and efficacy of RAI therapy, which has contributed to its widespread adoption in treating thyroid cancer patients.

Both gamma and beta radiation technologies are integral to advancing RAI therapy, with ongoing research exploring the optimization of dosimetry for enhanced patient outcomes. Improvements in monitoring and imaging techniques that utilize gamma radiation are allowing for better real-time assessment of RAI therapy effectiveness, while advancements in beta radiation dosage strategies are enhancing the precision of thyroid tissue ablation. As healthcare systems invest in nuclear medicine, these technology enhancements are expected to play a significant role in driving the growth of the radioactive iodine ablation therapy market globally.

Global Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy Market, Segmentation by End User

The Global Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy Market has been segmented by End User into Hospitals, Cancer Research Organizations, Radiotherapy Centers and Research & Development Companies.

The global radioactive iodine ablation therapy market, segmented by end user, includes hospitals, cancer research organizations, radiotherapy centers, and research & development companies, each contributing uniquely to the market’s growth and accessibility. Hospitals hold a substantial share of the market as they are often the primary healthcare facilities where radioactive iodine ablation therapy is administered to patients. These institutions typically possess the necessary infrastructure, nuclear medicine expertise, and patient volume to support the widespread adoption of RAI therapy, particularly for post-surgical thyroid cancer treatment. Additionally, as hospitals adopt advanced imaging and monitoring technologies, the demand for efficient RAI therapy in these settings is likely to increase, driving further market growth.

Cancer research organizations also play a vital role in the radioactive iodine ablation therapy market, particularly in the development of new protocols, dosage improvements, and safety measures. These organizations are at the forefront of clinical research aimed at optimizing RAI therapy for different types of thyroid cancer and hyperthyroid conditions, as well as enhancing patient outcomes through targeted treatment. Their research helps establish evidence-based guidelines that influence regulatory approvals and clinical best practices. With the increase in funding for cancer research and clinical trials, cancer research organizations continue to push the boundaries of radioactive iodine therapy, leading to innovations that are integrated into mainstream clinical use.

Radiotherapy centers and research & development companies are pivotal in expanding access to and advancing the capabilities of radioactive iodine ablation therapy. Dedicated radiotherapy centers provide specialized treatment environments equipped with the latest technology and staff trained specifically for nuclear medicine procedures, making them a popular choice for patients seeking precise, effective RAI treatment. Research & development companies contribute by innovating new radiopharmaceutical formulations, imaging technologies, and radiation delivery methods, which can significantly improve the safety, efficacy, and convenience of RAI therapy. Their contributions to developing advanced radiotherapy equipment and software also help expand the reach of radioactive iodine therapy, particularly as the demand for minimally invasive and targeted cancer treatments grows globally.

Global Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy Market has been segmented by Application into Papillary Thyroid Cancer, Follicular Thyroid Cancer and Hurthle Cell Carcinoma.

The global radioactive iodine ablation therapy market, segmented by application, primarily includes treatment for papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, and Hurthle cell carcinoma. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of differentiated thyroid cancer and represents a significant portion of the RAI therapy market. Because papillary thyroid cancer cells generally retain the ability to absorb iodine, they are well-suited to treatment with radioactive iodine. RAI therapy is often used post-surgically to eliminate any residual thyroid tissue or cancer cells that may remain, reducing the likelihood of recurrence. The high prevalence of papillary thyroid cancer and its responsiveness to RAI therapy make this application a major contributor to the market’s demand.

Follicular thyroid cancer, another differentiated thyroid cancer type, also benefits significantly from radioactive iodine ablation therapy. Although less common than papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer cells tend to absorb iodine effectively, making them amenable to RAI treatment. RAI therapy for follicular thyroid cancer is crucial in cases where the disease has metastasized or recurred, as it helps target and destroy cancerous cells in distant parts of the body. With advances in RAI therapy protocols and personalized treatment planning, the effectiveness of radioactive iodine ablation for follicular thyroid cancer has been enhanced, contributing to increased adoption within this segment of the market.

Hurthle cell carcinoma, a rarer form of differentiated thyroid cancer, also represents a significant application within the RAI therapy market, although it differs somewhat in its response to radioactive iodine. Hurthle cells often have a lower uptake of iodine compared to papillary and follicular thyroid cancer cells, making RAI therapy less universally effective. However, in cases where Hurthle cell carcinoma retains some iodine-absorbing capacity, RAI therapy can be beneficial, particularly in advanced or recurrent cases. Ongoing research into optimizing radioactive iodine dosages and identifying patient subsets that respond well to RAI therapy is helping expand its applicability for Hurthle cell carcinoma, supporting market growth and better outcomes for patients with this challenging cancer type.

Global Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

The global radioactive iodine ablation therapy market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America, with each region showing distinct market dynamics and growth trends. North America currently dominates the market due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high prevalence of thyroid cancer, and strong presence of leading healthcare providers and research institutions. The United States, in particular, plays a central role, where radioactive iodine therapy is a standard treatment for differentiated thyroid cancers, supported by widespread insurance coverage and well-established clinical protocols. The region's robust investment in medical technologies and ongoing clinical research further boosts the adoption of radioactive iodine ablation therapy.

Europe is another key region for the market, driven by a well-established healthcare system and increasing awareness of thyroid cancer treatments. Countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are at the forefront of adopting advanced radiopharmaceutical therapies, including RAI therapy, for thyroid cancer management. The European market also benefits from a high level of governmental healthcare funding, research collaborations, and regulatory bodies that ensure the safety and efficacy of radioactive iodine ablation therapy. As Europe continues to prioritize the treatment of thyroid cancer through precision medicine and clinical innovation, it is expected to maintain steady growth in this market segment.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the fastest growth during the forecast period from 2020 to 2030. Factors such as rising healthcare investments, increasing awareness of thyroid diseases, and improvements in nuclear medicine infrastructure contribute to this rapid expansion. Countries like China, India, and Japan are witnessing a surge in thyroid cancer diagnoses, which is fueling demand for effective treatments like radioactive iodine ablation. As healthcare access improves in emerging markets, the adoption of advanced cancer therapies, including RAI therapy, is poised to rise. In the Middle East and Africa, healthcare development is advancing, albeit at a slower pace, with an increasing emphasis on oncology treatments in countries like Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Latin America is also seeing gradual growth, with increasing adoption of innovative treatments and expanding healthcare access in countries like Brazil and Mexico.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Rising incidence of thyroid cancer
• Increased adoption of minimally invasive procedures

• Advancements in nuclear medicine technologies - Advancements in nuclear medicine technologies are significantly impacting the field of radioactive iodine ablation therapy, making treatments safer, more precise, and more effective. Innovations in nuclear imaging, such as SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) and PET (Positron Emission Tomography), allow for clearer visualization of thyroid tissue and metastatic sites, enabling clinicians to better target radioactive iodine therapy and assess treatment effectiveness. These advancements mean that doctors can determine the exact locations of abnormal thyroid cells, allowing for more accurate dosing and minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues. As a result, radioactive iodine therapy is becoming a more precise and controlled procedure, leading to better outcomes and fewer side effects for patients.

  Newer nuclear medicine technologies have also led to the development of more specialized radiopharmaceuticals, which are designed to target specific types of cancer cells more effectively. This precision-targeting approach has contributed to the efficacy of radioactive iodine ablation therapy, particularly in treating thyroid cancer. The development of personalized dosimetry, which customizes radiation doses based on individual patient characteristics and tumor response, further enhances the therapeutic precision of radioactive iodine treatments. This level of customization is transforming radioactive iodine ablation into a more personalized therapy, tailored to each patient’s unique condition, and significantly improving treatment outcomes.

  These technological advancements are also paving the way for radioactive iodine ablation therapy to be more widely adopted in healthcare systems worldwide, especially as the technology becomes more accessible and cost-effective. In addition, ongoing research and development in nuclear medicine are exploring ways to reduce radiation exposure, optimize dosing, and expand the use of radiopharmaceuticals for other thyroid and cancer-related conditions. As these technologies continue to evolve, they are likely to improve the safety profile of radioactive iodine therapy, potentially reducing regulatory restrictions and broadening the range of patients eligible for this effective cancer treatment.

Restraints

• High cost of treatment and equipment
• Limited availability of specialized healthcare facilities

• Potential side effects and complications - Potential side effects and complications of radioactive iodine ablation therapy are important considerations that affect both patients and healthcare providers. This treatment, commonly used for thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism, involves ingesting radioactive iodine to target and destroy thyroid cells. While effective, the radiation can lead to side effects such as dry mouth, nausea, altered taste, and neck tenderness, particularly in the initial days following treatment. These short-term side effects, although generally manageable, can be uncomfortable for patients and often require additional medications or care to alleviate symptoms, making patient education and supportive care essential parts of the treatment process.

  Long-term complications can arise due to the radioactive nature of the treatment, which may affect surrounding tissues or other organs, especially when high doses are required. For instance, some patients may experience salivary gland dysfunction, leading to chronic dry mouth and an increased risk of dental issues. Additionally, radiation exposure from the therapy has been linked, albeit rarely, to a small risk of secondary cancers. For young patients or those requiring repeat doses, these long-term risks are more concerning. Careful monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare team are necessary to manage these complications, particularly in individuals who may be more vulnerable to radiation’s cumulative effects.

  Moreover, specific populations, such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, or those with certain pre-existing conditions, may face unique risks, making radioactive iodine therapy unsuitable or requiring tailored treatment plans. These potential side effects and complications underscore the need for thorough patient evaluations before treatment, as well as advancements in alternative therapies and mitigation strategies. For healthcare providers, balancing the effectiveness of radioactive iodine ablation with the potential for adverse effects requires a nuanced approach, prioritizing patient safety, and ensuring that each patient receives the most appropriate, targeted care.

Opportunities

• Growth in emerging healthcare markets
• Development of targeted radiopharmaceuticals

• Increasing investment in nuclear medicine research - Increasing investment in nuclear medicine research is fueling advancements in targeted therapies and diagnostic tools, significantly benefiting fields like radioactive iodine ablation therapy. As governments, research institutions, and private companies invest in this area, there is accelerated development of more precise and effective treatments that minimize side effects and improve patient outcomes. In the case of radioactive iodine therapy, for example, new research is enhancing the understanding of optimal dosing, which is helping doctors deliver more personalized, effective, and safer treatments for thyroid cancer patients. This influx of funding supports a variety of projects, including studies focused on minimizing radiation exposure and exploring novel radiopharmaceuticals that target cancer cells more selectively.

  The expansion of nuclear medicine research funding is also driving the development of more advanced imaging technologies, such as PET and SPECT, which are essential for accurately diagnosing and monitoring the progression of diseases. These imaging tools provide critical insights into the behavior and spread of cancer cells, enabling more tailored treatment plans. For radioactive iodine therapy, improved imaging techniques allow for better identification of thyroid tissue and metastatic cancer sites, helping to optimize treatment by precisely targeting cancerous areas and reducing unnecessary radiation exposure to healthy tissue. This level of diagnostic precision is a direct result of sustained research and investment in the field, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes and greater patient safety.

  Furthermore, as nuclear medicine research expands, it is creating pathways for innovative treatments that could broaden the applications of radioactive therapies beyond traditional thyroid treatments. Ongoing research into radioisotopes and new radiopharmaceuticals has the potential to treat various types of cancer, thus positioning nuclear medicine as a growing component of cancer care worldwide. Increased funding is also leading to collaborations between industry, academia, and healthcare institutions, which accelerates the transition from research to clinical applications. As a result, the continued investment in nuclear medicine research is not only advancing current treatments but also setting the stage for breakthroughs that could revolutionize how cancers and other complex diseases are diagnosed and treated.

Key players in Global Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy Market include :

• HealthTronics
• Galil Medical Inc.
• Angiodynamics
• Misonix Inc
• Medtronic Plc
• SonaCare Medical
• Boston Scientific Corporation
• Neuwave Medical Inc

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis