Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – June 10, 2025 – The Global Thermal Tumor Ablation Procedure Market volumes at 5.2 Mn procedures in 2024 and is expected to rise to 12.8 Mn procedures by the end of 2033 at 10.5% CAGR.
Thermal tumor ablation is witnessing increased clinical adoption as a minimally invasive, image-guided technique for treating primary and metastatic tumors. This procedure involves the application of extreme heat through radiofrequency, microwave, or laser energy to destroy cancerous cells without the need for open surgery. It is widely used in liver, lung, kidney, and bone tumors, particularly in patients who are ineligible for surgical resection.
Advancements in ablation probe technology and real-time imaging modalities such as CT and MRI have significantly improved the precision and safety of the procedure. The reduced risk of complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery time are key factors driving adoption in oncology centers worldwide. Moreover, the procedure’s compatibility with combination therapies such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy is expanding its role in multimodal cancer treatment strategies.
Thermal ablation has gained particular traction in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with clinical studies reporting local tumor control rates exceeding 85% for small lesions. According to data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute, over 45,000 liver cancer cases are diagnosed annually, underscoring the growing need for effective, localized treatment options. As healthcare systems shift toward value-based care, thermal ablation’s cost-effectiveness and outpatient applicability are expected to enhance its role in interventional oncology.
Key Takeaways
- The global Thermal Tumor Ablation Procedure market recorded a volume of 5.2 million procedures and is projected to reach 12.8 million procedures by the forecast horizon, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5%.
- By Procedure Type, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) emerged as the leading segment, accounting for the highest revenue contribution. In the United States alone, the volume of RFA procedures reached approximately 4.4 million.
- By Cancer Stage, procedures performed for Stage 2 cancers generated the most revenue, with a market volume of approximately 15.3 million procedures.
- By Cancer Type, Breast Cancer was the leading indication for thermal ablation, with the highest market volume reported at 6.5 million procedures.
- By Region, Europe dominated the global thermal tumor ablation market, with the total number of procedures reaching 11.2 million in the year 2024, reflecting strong clinical uptake across advanced oncology centers.
Thermal Tumor Ablation Procedure Demand
Thermal tumor ablation procedures are driven by the rising incidence of cancers for which ablation is indicated. Globally, new cases of primary liver cancer were 906,000 in 2020 and are projected to increase by 55% to 1.4 million by 2040; early-stage liver cancers (20% of cases) are typically managed with thermal ablation techniques such as radiofrequency or microwave ablation.
Similarly, lung cancer accounted for 2.2 million new cases in 2020, with an estimated 85% being non-small cell lung cancer; of those, approximately 20% present at an early stage suitable for ablation. Demand is thus being driven by both increasing cancer burdens and expanding indications for minimally invasive ablation.
In the United States, demand is anchored by cancer incidence and clinical guidelines. An estimated 42,240 new cases of liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer are expected in 2025, with 20% (≈ 8,450) of these patients being early-stage and eligible for thermal ablation.
Lung and bronchus cancer is projected at 226,650 cases in 2025, of which approximately 20% (≈ 45,300) are early-stage non-small cell tumors; even if only half of these early-stage cases undergo ablation, annual procedure volumes would exceed 22,600. Growth in screening programs and image-guided intervention centers is expected to further increase these volumes in the coming decade.
Segmentation Analysis
Type of Ablation Analysis
Based on the type of procedure, the market is further segmented into Radiofrequency Ablation, Microwave Ablation, Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) Ablation, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Ablation, and Laser Ablation.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) held the largest volume share in the global tumor ablation market due to its effectiveness, minimally invasive nature, and widespread adoption. RFA is widely used for treating various tumors, including liver, lung, kidney, and bone cancers, as it provides precise tumor destruction with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
Its advantages, such as shorter recovery time, lower complication rates, and cost-effectiveness, have contributed to its dominance. Additionally, continuous technological advancements, increasing cancer prevalence, and growing preference for outpatient procedures further drive the demand for RFA, solidifying its position as the leading tumor ablation technique in the market.
Microwave Ablation (MWA) held the second-largest volume share in the global tumor ablation market, driven by its superior efficacy, faster treatment times, and ability to treat larger tumors compared to other ablation techniques. MWA generates higher temperatures, leading to more uniform and deeper tissue destruction, making it effective for solid tumors in the liver, lungs, kidneys, and bones.
The technique’s advantages, such as reduced procedural duration, lower recurrence rates, and improved safety profile, contribute to its growing adoption. Increasing cancer incidence, rising demand for minimally invasive procedures, and ongoing technological advancements further support the expansion of MWA in the market.
Additionally, Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) Ablation, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Ablation, and Laser Ablation are advanced procedures used in thermal tumor ablation, each offering unique benefits for cancer treatment.
Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) Ablation is a non-thermal procedure that uses electrical pulses to create nanopores in tumor cell membranes, leading to cell death without affecting surrounding healthy tissues. This technique is particularly beneficial for treating tumors located near critical structures, such as blood vessels and nerves, where thermal ablation methods might cause unintended damage. IRE is increasingly used for pancreatic, liver, and prostate cancers due to its precision and safety.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Ablation employs focused ultrasound waves to generate heat and destroy tumor tissues. It is a completely non-invasive procedure that does not require incisions or probes, reducing the risk of infections and complications. HIFU is widely used for treating prostate cancer, uterine fibroids, and certain soft tissue tumors. Its real-time imaging guidance allows for precise targeting, enhancing treatment accuracy. Moreover, HIFU is gaining popularity due to its ability to preserve surrounding healthy tissues, making it an attractive option for localized tumor treatment.
Laser Ablation utilizes highly focused laser beams to generate heat and destroy cancerous tissues. This method is particularly effective for brain tumors, liver tumors, and certain soft tissue malignancies. Laser ablation offers advantages such as minimal invasiveness, precise tissue targeting, and shorter recovery times. It is often used in combination with imaging techniques like MRI to enhance treatment precision. These advanced ablation techniques continue to evolve, offering safer and more effective treatment options for various cancer types.
Market Segments
Type of Ablation
- Breast Cancer
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Microwave Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Laser Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Irreversible Electroporation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Prostate Cancer
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Microwave Ablation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Laser Ablation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Irreversible Electroporation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Liver Cancer
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Microwave Ablation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Laser Ablation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Irreversible Electroporation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Kidney Cancer
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Microwave Ablation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Laser Ablation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Irreversible Electroporation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Lung Cancer
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Microwave Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Laser Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Irreversible Electroporation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Bone Metastasis
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Microwave Ablation
- Laser Ablation
- Irreversible Electroporation
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
- Colorectal Cancer
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Microwave Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Laser Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Irreversible Electroporation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Melanomas
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Microwave Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Laser Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Irreversible Electroporation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Soft-tissue Sarcomas
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Microwave Ablation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Laser Ablation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Irreversible Electroporation
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Microwave Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Laser Ablation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Irreversible Electroporation
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
- Stage 0
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Radiofrequency Ablation
Regional Analysis
North America Maintains a Dominant Position in the Global Thermal Tumor Ablation Procedure Market
North America continues to hold a prominent share in the global thermal tumor ablation procedure market. This leadership is attributed to the region’s advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption of minimally invasive technologies, and the increasing burden of cancer. The United States remains the largest contributor, supported by its robust healthcare system, early access to innovative medical technologies, and consistently high rates of cancer diagnoses.
In 2024, approximately 6.5 million thermal tumor ablation procedures were performed in the United States. Among these, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) accounted for 25,108 procedures, Microwave Ablation (MWA) for 3,406, and Laser Ablation also for 3,406 procedures. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) was used in 2,050 breast cancer cases, while Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) was employed in 2,102 procedures.
The availability of favorable reimbursement frameworks further supports the widespread use of RFA, MWA, and HIFU techniques. Additionally, increasing demand for minimally invasive treatments—offering benefits such as faster recovery and reduced hospital stays—continues to drive regional growth. Major medical device manufacturers in North America are investing in R\&D to develop precision-based ablation technologies integrated with real-time imaging tools like MRI and CT.
Government-led cancer awareness and early detection programs also contribute significantly to procedure volume. Given these factors, North America is expected to maintain its leading position in the global thermal tumor ablation market.
Emerging Trends
- Expansion Beyond Small Tumors: Thermal ablation techniques such as radiofrequency (RF) and microwave ablation (MWA) have historically achieved > 90% complete ablation for tumors under 3 cm in organs like liver, kidney, and lung. Efforts are underway to treat larger (> 5 cm) and more complex tumors by using multi-electrode systems, umbrella-shaped probes, and increased generator power to overcome limitations seen in hotter, higher-impedance tissues.
- Microwave Ablation Growing in Use: MWA has gained wider adoption due to faster energy delivery and better uniformity across tissue types, including those with low water content or high impedance. Efforts are ongoing to optimize antenna design to tailor ablation zones for sphere-like or elongated shapes.
- Non-Invasive Ablation – Histotripsy & MR-guided HIFU
- Histotripsy uses focused ultrasound to mechanically destroy tumors without probes. The FDA -cleared Edison System can treat ≤2 lesions up to 3 cm in the liver, offering an external, non-thermal alternative with minimal scarring.
- MRI-guided HIFU enables non-invasive thermal ablation under real-time imaging, allowing precise targeting in organs such as liver and kidney while the patient is conscious .
- AI and Real-Time Thermometry: Tools like PhysRFANet can predict temperature distribution during RF ablation with 96% Dice score within 10 ms, enhancing safety and precision. MRI Proton-Resonance Frequency (PRF) shift methods are becoming the standard for real-time thermal monitoring in procedures like HIFU and Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy.
- Robot-Assisted & Configurable Ablation Systems: Robotic platforms are being developed for customizable ablation shapes. Studies investigating robotic configuration of ablation for tumors with non-spherical geometry have shown promise for repeatable, tailored treatments.
Conclusion
Thermal tumor ablation is emerging as a key modality in minimally invasive cancer treatment, offering effective tumor control, reduced complications, and compatibility with multimodal therapies. The procedure’s expanding clinical use especially in liver, lung, and breast cancers is supported by technological innovations in probes, real-time imaging, and non-invasive platforms like HIFU and histotripsy.
North America remains a dominant region, while microwave and AI-guided approaches are driving procedural precision globally. With the global procedure volume projected to grow at a 10.5% CAGR, thermal ablation is poised to become an integral component of oncology care, particularly for patients ineligible for surgery.
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