Radioligand Therapy Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Isotope (Lutetium-177, Actinium-225, Iodine-131, Others), By Target (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen, Ki 67 Expression and Grading, Cytochrome P450 17A1 Inhibitor), By Indication (Prostate Cancer, Neuroendocrine Tumours, Others), By End-User (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Cancer Treatment Centers, Others) and Region 2020-2031

Radioligand Therapy Market size was valued at US$ 8,471.2 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 14,145.9 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2025-2031.  Radioligand therapy refers to a targeted form of cancer treatment that uses radioactive isotopes attached to ligands molecules designed to bind specifically to cancer cell receptors. Once administered, the radioligand binds to the cancer cells and delivers a precise dose of radiation, destroying malignant cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This therapy is especially valuable in treating cancers like neuroendocrine tumors and metastatic prostate cancer, where conventional treatments may be less effective or carry greater systemic toxicity.

The market is witnessing significant growth due to the increased prevalence of oncology indications, rising approvals of novel targeted therapies, and the growing preference for precision medicine. Advancements in radiochemistry, improved diagnostic imaging, and the integration of theranostics (combined diagnostic and therapeutic approaches) are enhancing the clinical adoption of radioligand therapy. Major pharmaceutical players are investing heavily in R&D and expanding production capacities to meet the rising demand for these therapies, particularly in developed healthcare systems and emerging oncology hubs.

Facts & Figures

• Prostate Cancer Incidence: According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men worldwide, with an estimated over 290,000 new cases expected annually in the U.S. alone.
• Radiopharmaceutical Approvals: The U.S. FDA granted accelerated approval to Pluvicto (lutetium Lu-177 vipivotide tetraxetan) in 2022 for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, marking a significant milestone for targeted radioligand therapy.
• Global Cancer Burden: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that over 19 million new cancer cases were diagnosed globally in 2020, with a rising trend projected through 2040.
• Nuclear Medicine Infrastructure: The World Nuclear Association reports that there are approximately 1,200 nuclear medicine centers worldwide, primarily in developed regions, offering diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical services essential for radioligand therapy delivery.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025: the U.S. FDA approved Novartis' radioligand therapy, Pluvicto, for earlier use in treating PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This new indication allows Pluvicto to be administered before chemotherapy, significantly expanding its eligible patient population. The approval is based on the Phase III PSMAfore trial, which demonstrated that Pluvicto reduced the risk of radiographic progression or death by 59% and more than doubled median progression-free survival.
• In October 2024, Sanofi announced a €1.9 billion valuation for OranoMed, a subsidiary of Orano, following a €300 million investment for a 16% stake. This move positions Sanofi among leading pharmaceutical companies exploring radiopharmaceuticals, a promising new area in oncology. Sanofi's partnership with OranoMed involves developing a drug using radioactive lead isotopes for neuroendocrine tumors, aiming to address supply challenges in the sector.

Radioligand Therapy (RLT) Market Segmentation:

Based on the isotope

• Lutetium-177 (Lu-177)
• Actinium-225 (Ac-225)
• Iodine-131 (I-131)
• Others

Among the isotopes used in radioligand therapy, Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) is anticipated to lead the market, primarily driven by its optimal therapeutic profile and growing clinical acceptance. Lu-177 emits both beta particles and low-energy gamma rays, allowing for precise tumor cell destruction while enabling simultaneous imaging—a critical factor in theranostic approaches. Its favorable half-life of approximately 6.7 days provides a practical balance between therapeutic efficacy and logistical convenience for production, storage, and distribution. Clinically, Lu-177 has been validated through therapies like Lutathera, approved for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), and Pluvicto, recently approved for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). These therapies have demonstrated significant improvements in progression-free survival and quality of life, fueling demand across oncology centers worldwide. Furthermore, the scalability of Lu-177 production by facilities like ITM Isotopen Technologien and the U.S. Department of Energy strengthens supply chain reliability. These factors position Lu-177 as the leading isotope driving the expansion of the radioligand therapy market.

Based on the target

• Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen
• Ki 67 Expression and Grading
• Cytochrome P450 17A1 Inhibitor

Among the targets in radioligand therapy, Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) is expected to dominate the market, primarily due to its high expression in prostate cancer cells and the successful clinical outcomes associated with PSMA-targeted therapies. PSMA is a transmembrane protein abundantly expressed in over 90% of metastatic prostate cancer cases, while remaining largely absent in most normal tissues, making it an ideal therapeutic target.

The approval of Pluvicto (lutetium Lu-177 vipivotide tetraxetan) by the U.S. FDA for treating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer has validated the clinical and commercial viability of PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy. This breakthrough has significantly improved overall survival and disease control in patients who have exhausted other treatment options. Moreover, ongoing global clinical trials are exploring PSMA radioligands in earlier stages of disease, potentially expanding the treatment window. With increasing global prostate cancer incidence and strong research momentum, PSMA-targeted therapies are anticipated to lead the radioligand therapy market over the coming years.

Based on the indication

• Prostate Cancer
• Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs)
• Others

The ‘Prostate Cancer’ is anticipated to lead market growth due to its high prevalence and the increasing availability of targeted treatment options. Prostate cancer remains one of the most diagnosed cancers among men worldwide, with a significant portion progressing to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), which is challenging to treat using conventional therapies. Radioligand therapy targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has emerged as a breakthrough treatment, offering improved survival rates and quality of life for patients with advanced stages of the disease.

The U.S. FDA approval of therapies like Pluvicto (lutetium Lu-177 vipivotide tetraxetan) has driven widespread clinical adoption, particularly for patients who have limited alternatives after chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Furthermore, ongoing clinical trials aim to expand the use of radioligand therapy to earlier stages of prostate cancer, potentially broadening its impact. The combination of high disease burden and effective targeted treatment positions prostate cancer as the dominant driver within the radioligand therapy market.

Based on the end-user

• Hospitals
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Cancer Treatment Centers
• Others

Based on the end-user segment, cancer treatment centers are anticipated to lead the radioligand therapy market, driven by their specialized focus on oncology care and advanced therapeutic capabilities. These centers are equipped with dedicated nuclear medicine departments and trained personnel required to administer radioligand therapies safely and effectively. Given the complex nature of radiopharmaceutical handling, imaging, and patient monitoring, cancer treatment centres provide the ideal infrastructure and expertise necessary for these targeted treatments.

Additionally, the rising number of cancer cases globally has increased patient inflow to these specialized centers, thereby boosting demand for innovative therapies like radioligand treatments. Hospitals also play a crucial role, but cancer treatment centers often lead in adoption due to their focus on cutting-edge oncology protocols and participation in clinical trials. The growing integration of theranostics and personalized medicine within these centers further accelerates market growth, solidifying their position as the primary end-users driving radioligand therapy adoption.