Lung Cancer Surgery in United States Trends and Forecast
The future of the lung cancer surgery market in United States looks promising with opportunities in the hospital, specialty cancer care center, and ambulatory surgical center markets. The global lung cancer surgery market is expected to reach an estimated $5.7 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2031. The lung cancer surgery market in United States is also forecasted to witness strong growth over the forecast period. The major drivers for this market are the rising occurrence of lung cancer, the increasing consumer preference towards minimally invasive surgeries, and the growing air pollution levels.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the product type category, surgical device is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
• Within the end use category, ambulatory surgical center is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Emerging Trends in the Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States
The lung cancer surgery market in the United States is evolving rapidly, propelled by surgical innovation, early detection, and personalized treatment strategies. Advanced minimally invasive techniques, enhanced recovery protocols, and precision medicine are improving outcomes and expanding eligibility. Coupled with digital health tools and outpatient care models, these trends reflect a systemic shift toward more efficient, patient-centered treatment, reducing costs, shortening recovery times, and optimizing clinical precision without compromising standards.
• Rise of Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS): Robotic platforms offer superior precision, wristed instrument dexterity, and 3D visualization for lung resections. Surgeons can operate through small ports, reducing trauma, blood loss, and hospital stays. Compared to traditional VATS, RATS enables more accurate lymph node dissection—a critical factor in cancer staging. Growing adoption (42% of procedures) reflects patient and provider demand for less-invasive yet high-quality surgical treatments.
• Growth of Uniportal and Sublobar Resections: Surgeons are adopting uniportal VATS and segmentectomy for early-stage tumors, limiting surgery to a lung segment instead of entire lobes. These approaches preserve lung function, lower complication rates, and offer better cosmetic outcomes. Studies confirm comparable oncologic safety, making sublobar resection a preferred option for precisely located small lesions and frailer patients.
• AI and AR Integration in Surgical Planning: Artificial intelligence and augmented reality are advancing surgical planning and intraoperative navigation. AI algorithms process CT scans to delineate tumor margins and vascular anatomy, while AR systems overlay imaging data onto the surgical field. These tools enhance accuracy in port placement, resection precision, and nerve preservation, leading to reduced operative time and complications.
• Expansion of Outpatient Thoracic Surgery in ASCs: Ambulatory surgical centers are increasingly offering lung cancer procedures, leveraging minimally invasive methods and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. This model allows same-day discharge or short recovery monitoring, reducing hospital-acquired infection risk and costs. It‘s an attractive alternative for early-stage patients with minimal comorbidities.
• Integration of Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy with Surgery: Immunotherapy agents such as neoadjuvant nivolumab are being used before surgery to shrink tumors and improve resection outcomes. Clinical trials (e.g., CheckMate 816) show a ~10% improvement in five-year survival when combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy ahead of surgery. This approach is setting new standards for integrated oncology–surgical care in resectable lung cancer.
These emerging trends—robotic surgery, uniportal interventions, AI-enhanced planning, outpatient procedures, and neoadjuvant immunotherapy—are collectively redefining the lung cancer surgery market in the United States. They deliver safer, faster, and more personalized treatment while expanding eligibility and improving resource management. This transformation supports better patient experiences and outcomes as the field moves toward precision oncologic care.
Recent Developments in the Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States
The United States is witnessing dynamic developments that enhance early detection, optimize surgical care, and advance precision medicine. Innovations in transplant techniques, AI diagnostics, and targeted therapies are converging to elevate outcomes and broaden patient access to cutting-edge interventions.
Lung cancer surgery in the U.S. is rapidly advancing, with recent breakthroughs in robotic transplant procedures, AI-based detection, and targeted therapeutic strategies. These developments not only improve survival and recovery but also create new synergies across surgical, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical domains, reinforcing an integrated approach to lung cancer care.
• First Fully Robotic Double Lung Transplant: NYU Langone completed the world’s first fully robotic double lung transplant using the Da Vinci Xi system. Smaller incisions translate to less pain and faster recovery. This milestone highlights how robotics extends beyond cancer resections to complex thoracic surgeries, offering a bold new paradigm for transplant patients with reduced trauma and quicker return to function.
• AI‑Assisted Early Detection Enhances Surgical Outcomes: AI-assisted analysis of CT scans is helping detect early-stage lesions and quantify malignancy risk. A Georgia case showed AI designated a nodule as 64% likely cancerous, expediting surgery and avoiding progression. This integration of AI into screening accelerates detection and surgical intervention, improving prognosis and minimizing invasive treatment needs.
• Emerging Targeted Therapies Improve Surgical Timing: New therapies (e.g., neoadjuvant immunotherapy) allow shrinkage of tumors before surgery. Combination treatment with immunotherapy agents has shown a marked increase in complete response and survival for resectable NSCLC. These strategies enable less extensive resection, better margin control, and improved perioperative outcomes.
• FDA Approvals of Novel Adjunct Medications: The FDA has approved targeted drugs—such as ensartinib, telisotuzumab vedotin, and repotrectinib—for specific genetic mutations. These systemic therapies support adjuvant use post-surgery or shrink tumors preoperatively. Personalized treatment plans can now integrate surgery with therapy matched to a patient’s tumor biology, enhancing long-term outcomes.
• Reinforced Minimally Invasive Techniques and Protocols: Advancements in VATS, ERAS, and sublobar resections are gaining traction. National data show increased use of concomitant chest wall resection via MIS with equivalent oncologic outcomes but shorter stays. Institutions are also implementing virtual reality-based planning for optimal incision placement, enhancing surgical efficiency and patient recovery.
Recent developments—from robotic transplants to AI diagnostics and targeted therapies—are converging to redefine lung cancer surgery in the United States. They offer more precise, less invasive, and personalized treatment options. By integrating technology and therapy, these advancements are elevating surgical outcomes and pushing the boundaries of oncologic care.
Strategic Growth Opportunities for Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States
The United States lung cancer surgery market is evolving toward early-stage detection, minimally invasive techniques, and patient-centered care models. Rising screening rates have increased identification of early-stage cancer, leading to greater demand for precise surgical interventions. As hospitals adopt advanced technologies and reimbursement shifts favor outpatient and minimally invasive approaches, several applications are seeing rapid development. From robotic systems to digital planning tools, strategic innovations are opening scalable growth pathways. These opportunities are reshaping procedural practices, clinical efficiencies, and patient recovery outcomes across the surgical care continuum.
• Expansion of Minimally Invasive Thoracoscopic Procedures: Video-assisted thoracic surgery and robotic-assisted methods are increasingly preferred due to reduced recovery time and fewer complications. Hospitals are upgrading to high-definition scopes, precision tools, and enhanced imaging platforms to enable segmentectomy and lobectomy procedures through small incisions. Surgeons are now able to perform complex resections more safely with minimal tissue disruption. Manufacturers who design ergonomic instruments and workflow-enhancing software will gain traction, especially among hospitals aiming to improve outcomes while shortening patient hospital stays and lowering readmissions.
• Adoption of Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Systems: Robotic platforms are gaining popularity for lung resections due to superior dexterity, reduced surgeon fatigue, and better precision. Larger hospitals and cancer centers are deploying these systems to treat early-stage cancers more effectively. Robotic arms allow for improved access to hard-to-reach areas and enable enhanced three-dimensional visualization. Companies that offer reliable systems with integrated support services, efficient instrument turnover, and user-friendly software are likely to secure long-term partnerships with providers optimizing for high procedural volumes and outcome performance.
• Growth in Ambulatory Surgical Center Use of Lung Resection Procedures: Lung surgeries are increasingly shifting to outpatient settings for selected patients with early-stage cancer. This trend is driven by cost efficiency, improved perioperative protocols, and better anesthetic management. Ambulatory surgical centers are investing in modular surgical units and rapid-recovery programs. Medical device firms that offer scalable and compact systems optimized for lower-infrastructure environments can capitalize on this shift. Success in this space will depend on partnerships that emphasize streamlined workflows, bundled equipment packages, and robust post-operative support programs.
• Integration of AI-Powered Imaging and Surgical Planning Tools: Artificial intelligence is being adopted for preoperative planning and intraoperative decision-making. AI tools can enhance lesion detection, define resection margins, and personalize surgical plans. Digital platforms that integrate with imaging and surgical systems are allowing teams to execute more consistent and accurate procedures. Developers offering AI software that is intuitive, validated, and compatible with existing electronic health records and imaging systems can address clinical variability and support hospital goals of precision-driven, value-based surgical care.
• Enhanced Postoperative Patient Monitoring via Telehealth: Remote monitoring and telehealth platforms are increasingly used to oversee recovery, detect complications early, and support patients through virtual consultations. Hospitals are implementing digital tools that collect vital signs and symptom reports to allow clinicians to intervene proactively. This reduces emergency visits and enhances continuity of care. Technology firms offering secure, user-friendly platforms integrated with patient engagement and clinical reporting tools can support healthcare systems focused on lowering readmissions while maintaining high-quality outcomes.
The United States lung cancer surgery market is being transformed by minimally invasive techniques, robotic systems, outpatient procedure expansion, AI-driven planning, and telehealth-enabled recovery. These opportunities not only optimize clinical outcomes but also support cost efficiency and patient satisfaction. Innovators who align solutions with workflow needs and value-based goals will be well-positioned to lead this dynamic and evolving space.
Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States Driver and Challenges
The lung cancer surgery market in the United States is shaped by a range of technology advances, reimbursement models, and evolving patient care standards. Rising early-stage detection due to screening programs, investment in robotic and AI-driven systems, and the shift toward value-based care models are accelerating growth. However, barriers such as cost of implementation, training needs, and uneven care access present challenges. To unlock full market potential, stakeholders must address regulatory alignment, workforce readiness, and infrastructure disparities across different healthcare systems.
The factors responsible for driving the lung cancer surgery market in United States include:
• Rising Adoption of Lung Cancer Screening Programs: National screening guidelines have enabled earlier detection of operable lung cancers. This increases surgical caseloads and supports hospital investment in advanced tools and infrastructure. As more patients are identified at stage I or II, hospitals prioritize thoracic surgery capabilities, driving demand for minimally invasive and robotic systems. The increase in surgical volumes due to screening success has created a stable base for providers and suppliers targeting early-stage intervention technologies.
• Technological Advancements in Surgical Modalities: Continuous innovation in video-assisted and robotic-assisted surgery has improved precision, recovery, and workflow. Hospitals adopting new modalities see fewer complications and shorter hospital stays, supporting better patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. Companies offering integrated platforms with enhanced visualization, real-time feedback, and system reliability are gaining traction. These technologies also support surgeon ergonomics, enabling longer careers and reducing physical strain in high-volume surgical environments.
• Value-Based Care and Reimbursement Incentives: Reimbursement models that reward efficiency, low complications, and shorter stays support adoption of less invasive surgical options. Ambulatory and outpatient centers are becoming preferred sites for selected lung surgeries. Hospitals and payers benefit from bundled payment models, which align well with high-efficiency surgical tools and coordinated care programs. Firms that can demonstrate improved outcomes within cost-effective care models are well placed to benefit from this shift.
• High Capital Expenditure and Operational Costs: Advanced surgical platforms, particularly robotic systems, require significant capital investment and long-term operational expenses. Maintenance, training, and instrument replacement contribute to ongoing costs. Smaller hospitals and community centers may face budget constraints in acquiring and maintaining such systems. To address this, manufacturers must offer flexible financing, cost-sharing programs, and service contracts that reduce the economic burden and improve accessibility across a broader range of facilities.
• Critical Workforce Training and Adoption Gap: Effective use of advanced surgical systems requires comprehensive surgeon and staff training. The learning curve for robotic and minimally invasive lung procedures can delay implementation in new centers. Lack of access to simulation tools and proctoring slows expansion. Medical technology providers that offer robust training programs, mentorship, and remote coaching solutions can reduce the gap and support broader clinical adoption.
Challenges in the lung cancer surgery market in United States are:
• Equity and Geographic Disparities in Care Access: Patients in rural or underserved areas often lack access to specialized thoracic surgery or advanced systems. This creates disparities in outcomes and access to best-in-class treatment. Outreach programs, telemedicine consultations, and mobile surgical teams can help bridge the gap. Addressing these inequities is critical to nationwide growth and alignment with public health goals.
• Regulatory and Reimbursement Uncertainty for Emerging Technologies: New technologies such as AI tools and robotic systems face hurdles in achieving consistent regulatory approval and reimbursement codes. This delays adoption and increases risk for hospitals. Companies must engage with regulatory bodies and insurers to ensure pathways for approval and evidence-based coverage. Transparency and clear value demonstration will ease concerns and support faster uptake.
• Patient Acceptance and Technological Trust: Despite clinical benefits, some patients are hesitant about robotic systems or newer tools. Misinformation or lack of awareness can hinder acceptance. Hospitals and manufacturers need to provide clear, patient-friendly education on risks, benefits, and expected outcomes. Shared decision-making and digital consent tools can help build trust and improve uptake of advanced surgical options.
The lung cancer surgery market in the United States is growing due to early detection, advanced technology adoption, and value-based care incentives. However, challenges including high costs, training barriers, and access inequities remain. By aligning solutions with reimbursement trends and expanding clinical education, the industry can ensure wider, more equitable adoption of modern surgical techniques, ultimately improving survival and quality of care for lung cancer patients nationwide.
List of Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. Through these strategies, lung cancer surgery companies cater to increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the lung cancer surgery companies profiled in this report include:
• Company 1
• Company 2
• Company 3
• Company 4
• Company 5
• Company 6
• Company 7
• Company 8
• Company 9
• Company 10
Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the lung cancer surgery market in United States by product type, surgery, and end use.
Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States by Product Type [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Surgical Devices
• Endosurgical Equipment
• Monitoring or Visualizing Equipment
Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States by Surgery [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Robotic Surgery
• Thoracotomy
• Video Assisted Surgery
• Percutaneous Surgery
• Endobronchial Surgery
Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States by End Use [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Hospitals
• Specialty Cancer Care Centers
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Others
Features of the Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States
Market Size Estimates: Lung cancer surgery in United States market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends and forecasts by various segments.
Segmentation Analysis: Lung cancer surgery in United States market size by product type, surgery, and end use in terms of value ($B).
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different product type, surgery, and end use for the lung cancer surgery in United States.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the lung cancer surgery in United States.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
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FAQ
Q1. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the lung cancer surgery market in United States?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are the rising occurrence of lung cancer, the increasing consumer preference towards minimally invasive surgeries, and the growing air pollution levels.
Q2. What are the major segments for lung cancer surgery market in United States?
Answer: The future of the lung cancer surgery market in United States looks promising with opportunities in the hospital, specialty cancer care center, and ambulatory surgical center markets.
Q3. Which lung cancer surgery market segment in United States will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that surgical device is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Q4. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 10 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the lung cancer surgery market in United States by product type (surgical devices, endosurgical equipment, and monitoring or visualizing equipment), surgery (robotic surgery, thoracotomy, video assisted surgery, percutaneous surgery, and endobronchial surgery), and end use (hospitals, specialty cancer care centers, ambulatory surgical centers, and others)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.4. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.5. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.6. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.7. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.8. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.9. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.10. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
For any questions related to Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States, Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States Size, Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States Growth, Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States Analysis, Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States Report, Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States Share, Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States Trends, Lung Cancer Surgery Market in United States Forecast, Lung Cancer Surgery Companies, write Lucintel analyst at email: helpdesk@lucintel.com. We will be glad to get back to you soon.