Brazil Radiotherapy Market Overview, 2031

Key Insights

• The Brazilian radiotherapy market operates within the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), the public universal healthcare system, alongside a growing private sector. Cancer incidence is projected to reach approximately 781,000 new cases annually during 2026–2028, an 11% increase from the previous triennium, driving sustained demand for radiation oncology services.
• External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) constitutes the largest therapy segment, supported by an installed base of approximately 427 megavoltage machines in 2021 across public and private facilities. However, the Sociedade Brasileira de Radioterapia's RT2030 study estimates that Brazil requires at least 530 machines by 2030 to meet demand, indicating a significant equipment deficit.
• Radiotherapy systems and equipment represent the largest offering segment, with the market historically import-dependent. Major international suppliers including Varian Medical Systems, Elekta, and Accuray maintain strong market positions through public procurement contracts.

Market Outlook

• According to the research report, "Brazil Radiotherapy Market Overview, 2031," published by Bonafide Research, the Brazil Radiotherapy market is anticipated to grow at more than 7.70% CAGR from 2026 to 2031. This growth trajectory reflects the substantial infrastructure deficit, rising cancer incidence, and significant government investment commitments through the PERSUS II programme.
• The market is expected to benefit from continued government investment in radiotherapy infrastructure. PERSUS II, formalised through Portaria MS/GM nº 7.728/2025, established governance committees to coordinate equipment expansion. The programme has already delivered 92 radiotherapy solutions, with expectations of over 50 new equipment units in its second phase. Notably, 62% of machines are now located outside capital cities, reflecting successful decentralisation efforts.
• Technology modernisation is accelerating across both public and private sectors.
• Long-term growth is supported by sustained policy commitment. The Ministry of Health has estimated annual investment of R$ 907 million under the new financing model, supporting expansion and modernisation of radiotherapy services across all regions.

Market Dynamics

Driver: Sustained Government Investment and Infrastructure Expansion
The primary driver of the Brazilian radiotherapy market is sustained government investment through the PERSUS II programme and the Novo PAC. The Ministry of Health has formalised governance structures for radiotherapy expansion through Portaria MS/GM nº 7.728/2025, establishing both a Gestor Committee and an Executive Committee to oversee implementation. The programme has delivered 92 radiotherapy solutions to date, with 62% now located outside capital cities, reflecting successful decentralisation. The new FAEC financing model, implemented through Portaria GM/MS nº 8.516/2025, provides performance-based incentives of 10% to 30% for facilities treating higher patient volumes, stimulating service expansion. This sustained investment cycle characterised by equipment procurement, facility expansion, and enhanced reimbursement ensures consistent demand for radiotherapy equipment, installation services, training, and comprehensive maintenance contracts.

Challenge: Infrastructure Deficit and Equipment Obsolescence
A significant challenge facing the Brazilian radiotherapy market is the substantial infrastructure deficit and widespread equipment obsolescence. The RT2030 study by the Sociedade Brasileira de Radioterapia estimated that Brazil requires at least 530 megavoltage machines by 2030, yet only 427 were operational in 2021 a 20% deficit. Some machines remain in operation for over 40 years, far exceeding the recommended 15–20 year lifespan. Geographic disparities compound this challenge: 60% of patients travel outside their municipalities for treatment, with distances ranging from 296 to 870 km in remote regions. Workforce constraints are equally pressing the SBRT has highlighted that equipment alone does not guarantee access, with qualified personnel shortages limiting effective utilisation. Additionally, current SUS reimbursement rates cover only approximately 50% of actual treatment costs, compromising financial sustainability for many facilities.



Trend: Private Sector Investment and Technology Modernisation
A major trend shaping the Brazilian radiotherapy market is the acceleration of private sector investment and technology modernisation. The Centro de Oncologia Campinas invested over R$ 15 million in Elekta Infinity and Precise systems, enabling advanced techniques including IMRT and VMAT. These systems reduce session times by approximately three minutes per treatment, increasing daily patient capacity by at least nine additional patients over eight hours of service, with the centre operating over 12 hours daily. The transition from cobalt-60 units to linear accelerators is accelerating only two cobalt units remain operational in Brazil. Private providers are also eligible to participate in the SUS through the Componente Acesso à Radioterapia, provided they dedicate at least 30% of capacity to public patients. This trend toward private investment and technology modernisation is creating new demand for equipment, installation services, training, and comprehensive maintenance contracts.

Policies

• The Ministry of Health's Portaria MS/GM nº 7.728/2025 established the Comitê Gestor and Comitê Executivo for PERSUS II, responsible for governance and monitoring of the radiotherapy expansion plan under the Novo PAC.
• The PERSUS programme, initiated in 2012, has delivered 63 equipment units to states that previously lacked radiotherapy services, including Acre, Roraima, and Amapá, with 27 additional projects in execution.
• The Componente Acesso à Radioterapia allows private facilities to participate in the SUS, requiring at least 30% of capacity dedicated to public patients for three consecutive years.
• The Ministry of Health has established a national monitoring panel for radiotherapy services, with mandatory data submission required for continued financial incentives.

Segment Analysis

Brazil Radiotherapy Market By Therapy Type
• External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT): This is the largest therapy segment, supported by the installed base of linear accelerators across public and private facilities. The segment is characterised by the transition from cobalt-60 units to modern LINACs only two cobalt units remain operational in Brazil. Advanced techniques are being adopted: the Centro de Oncologia Campinas has implemented IMRT and VMAT using Elekta Infinity and Precise systems, enabling 360-degree rotational treatment delivery with real-time beam intensity adjustment. The segment is driven by the clinical dominance of EBRT for a broad spectrum of malignancies. However, the RT2030 study identified a 20% equipment deficit, requiring 530 machines by 2030 versus 427 available in 2021.
• Internal / Brachytherapy: This segment remains clinically essential, particularly for gynaecological cancers including cervical cancer. Recent policy advancements have addressed historical barriers: Portaria GM/MS nº 8.516/2025 established specific financing for anaesthesia during brachytherapy, with an incentive of R$ 150 per procedure, recognising the procedure's potential for significant discomfort and the previous lack of dedicated funding for analgesia. However, the segment faces infrastructure constraints, with only approximately 10% of the machine installed base dedicated to brachytherapy according to industry estimates.
• Systemic Radiotherapy: This is the fastest-growing therapy segment, driven by the emergence of novel radiopharmaceuticals and targeted radionuclide therapies. The segment benefits from Brazil's growing clinical research infrastructure and the Ministry of Health's regulatory framework for radiopharmaceutical use. The FAEC financing model provides reimbursement for systemic radiotherapy procedures.

Brazil Radiotherapy Market By Offering
• Radiotherapy Systems/Equipment: This segment holds the largest market share by revenue, driven by high capital costs and sustained government and private investment. Major international suppliers include Varian Medical Systems, Elekta, and Accuray. Recent procurement demonstrates significant capital expenditure: the Centro de Oncologia Campinas invested over R$ 15 million in Elekta Infinity and Precise systems. PERSUS has delivered 92 solutions to date. The PLI and Novo PAC frameworks support equipment procurement. The transition from cobalt to LINAC continues, with manufacturers offering technology transfer discussions with Varian.
• Software & Services: This is the fastest-growing segment, reflecting increasing digitalisation of radiation oncology. The software component includes advanced treatment planning systems the Elekta Precision system features MLC technology that automatically shapes radiation beams, enabling IMRT and VMAT. The services component encompasses installation, comprehensive maintenance, clinical training, and physics support. The FAEC financing model's performance-based incentives drive demand for service agreements ensuring high uptime and operational efficiency. The lack of 24-hour technical support remains a barrier for some centres.

Brazil Radiotherapy Market By Application
• Breast Cancer: This is a major application segment, with breast cancer ranking among the most frequent malignancies in Brazil. Radiotherapy plays a central role in breast-conserving therapy and post-mastectomy treatment. Hypofractionation protocols are increasingly adopted to reduce patient visits and healthcare costs.
• Cervical Cancer: A significant application area, with brachytherapy playing a critical role. The new financing for anaesthesia during brachytherapy (R$ 150 per procedure) addresses a historical barrier.
• Prostate Cancer: A growing application area, with increased adoption of EBRT and advanced techniques. VMAT is recommended for complex tumours including prostate cancer.
• Lung Cancer: This segment is growing, with increased adoption of stereotactic radiotherapy.
• Head & Neck Cancer: This is a critical application requiring highly conformal radiation delivery, driving adoption of IMRT and VMAT.
• Paediatric Cancers: An estimated 8,600 new childhood cancer cases occur annually in Brazil, with approximately 33% receiving at least one course of curative or palliative radiotherapy. Proton therapy, while not available in Latin America, offers particular benefits for paediatric patients in reducing late effects.
• Other Applications: Includes gastrointestinal cancers, haematological malignancies, and palliative care indications.

Brazil Radiotherapy Market By End User
• Hospitals & Integrated Cancer Centres: This is the largest end-user segment, operating within the SUS framework. Major public cancer centres, including CACONs and UNACONs, manage the most complex equipment fleets and are the primary beneficiaries of PERSUS investment. However, infrastructure is concentrated in major urban centres, with 60% of patients travelling outside their municipalities for treatment.
• Standalone Radiotherapy Centres: This segment is growing, particularly in the private sector. The Centro de Oncologia Campinas, a private institution, invested over R$ 15 million in modern LINACs. Private facilities are eligible to participate in the SUS through the Componente Acesso à Radioterapia, requiring at least 30% of capacity dedicated to public patients.
• Academic/Research Institutions: This is the fastest-growing segment, reflecting their central role in advancing the field through clinical trials and technology validation. The Sociedade Brasileira de Radioterapia provides professional standards and quality assurance protocols. The Ministry of Health's scientific and technology innovation secretariat participates in PERSUS governance.
• Other Healthcare Facilities: Includes community-based centres and regional hospitals. The PERSUS programme has delivered equipment to states including Acre, Roraima, and Amapá, expanding access. However, infrastructure deficits remain significant, with some regions lacking any radiotherapy services.

Market Outlook by Infrastructure, Investment and Industry Development

• The PERSUS II programme, formalised through Portaria MS/GM nº 7.728/2025, continues to expand radiotherapy infrastructure with established governance committees and Novo PAC funding. The programme has delivered 92 solutions, with expectations of over 50 new equipment units in its second phase.
• Technology modernisation is advancing through the transition from cobalt-60 to LINAC only two cobalt units remain. VMAT and IMRT are increasingly available. However, proton therapy remains unavailable in Latin America, representing future growth potential.
• Workforce development is a critical priority. The SBRT has highlighted that equipment alone does not guarantee access, with qualified personnel shortages limiting effective utilisation. PERSUS II includes qualification and training components.
• The RT2030 study identified the need for 530 machines by 2030 versus 427 available in 2021, a 20% deficit. Paediatric radiotherapy demand is significant, with 8,600 annual cases, of which approximately 33% require radiotherapy.
• The long-term outlook remains positive as cancer incidence continues to rise projected at 781,000 annual cases for 2026–2028 and sustained public and private investment drives equipment modernisation, infrastructure expansion, and improved patient access across Brazil's healthcare system.



Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031

Aspects covered in this report
• Radiotherapy Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Therapy Type
• External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT)
• Internal / Brachytherapy
• Systemic Radiotherapy

By Offering
• Radiotherapy Systems/Equipment
• Software & Services

By Application
• Breast Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Head & Neck Cancer
• Central Nervous System / Brain
• Gastro-intestinal
• Other Applications

By End User

• Hospitals & Integrated Cancer Centers
• Standalone Radiotherapy Centers
• Academic/Research Institutions
• Other Healthcare Facilities