Nuclear Medicine Market Analysis
Based on product, the market is categorized into diagnostics and therapeutics. The diagnostics segment dominated the market with a revenue of around USD 9.4 billion in 2023.
- Rising healthcare expenditures and infrastructure improvements in emerging markets are facilitating access to advanced diagnostics like nuclear imaging. These regions are also experiencing higher rates of chronic disease, further driving the demand.
- Additionally, nuclear diagnostics, specifically myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), are essential in cardiology for evaluating blood flow and identifying heart diseases. This technique is valuable in assessing cardiac function and identifying areas with insufficient blood supply. The demand for cardiac imaging using nuclear diagnostics is increasing as the prevalence of heart disease rises globally, driven by lifestyle changes and an aging population.
Based on application, the nuclear medicine market is categorized into neurology, cardiology, oncology, thyroid, pulmonary, and other applications. The neurology segment dominated the market in 2023 with a market share of 30.3%.
- The increase in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other dementias is a major driver contributing to industry growth. These diseases are especially prevalent in aging populations, creating a significant demand for accurate and precise diagnostic tools. Nuclear imaging with PET and SPECT helps in identifying early signs of these diseases by visualizing changes in brain activity and metabolic patterns, which traditional imaging methods often cannot detect as early.
- Further, the development of new radiotracers specifically targeting neurological markers has expanded the use of nuclear medicine in neurology. For example, amyloid and tau tracers in PET scans are valuable for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease, even before symptoms become severe. Such tracers improve the specificity of imaging results, enabling more accurate differentiation between different types of neurodegenerative conditions.
Based on end use, the nuclear medicine market is categorized into hospitals, diagnostic centres, research institutes, and other end users. The hospitals segment dominated the market in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 33.3 billion by the end of forecast period.
- Hospitals are investing in advanced imaging technologies and employing trained nuclear medicine specialists, making them capable of handling a wide range of nuclear medicine applications, from diagnostics to theranostics.
- Further, hospitals are adopting hybrid imaging systems like PET/CT, SPECT/CT, and PET/MRI, which combine anatomical and functional imaging for enhanced diagnostic accuracy. These systems are often only available in well-resourced hospital settings, increasing patient volume. Hybrid imaging allows hospitals to provide comprehensive diagnostics that enable more accurate and tailored treatment, especially for patients with complex or multi-system diseases.
- Moreover, specialized departments in hospitals are equipped to perform complex nuclear medicine procedures, which smaller clinics often cannot support, drawing patients to hospital settings.
North America nuclear medicine market accounted for USD 7 billion market revenue in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 15.6% between 2024 and 2032.
- The region’s advanced healthcare infrastructure enables high adoption rates of innovative nuclear imaging technologies, including hybrid imaging systems like PET/CT and SPECT/CT. Well-equipped healthcare facilities including hospitals, specialty clinics, and diagnostic centers in North America can integrate sophisticated nuclear imaging and therapeutic solutions more readily than in many other regions.
- Additionally, the region's aging population is more susceptible to chronic and age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and certain types of cancers, driving demand for nuclear diagnostics to aid in early detection and personalized care. Elderly patients benefit from non-invasive nuclear imaging options that reduce procedural risks and support regular monitoring of conditions over time.
The U.S. nuclear medicine market was valued at USD 6.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow substantially in the coming years.
- The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions are fuelling demand for advanced diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. With cancer rates continuing to rise, the need for effective radiopharmaceutical treatments is becoming more critical day by day.
- Moreover, the growing emphasis on personalized medicine is another important factor contributing to market growth. Clinicians are increasingly utilizing targeted radiopharmaceuticals for tailored treatment plans, particularly in oncology, where therapies like lutetium-177 (Lu-177) are being used to treat specific tumors. The adoption of such precision medicine approaches is reflected in the expanding number of nuclear medicine facilities across the country.
The UK nuclear medicine market is projected to grow remarkably in the coming years.
- The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has shown strong support for nuclear medicine, with funding directed at improving diagnostic capabilities and expanding nuclear medicine departments in hospitals.
- Moreover, government initiatives to support early diagnosis and preventive healthcare have further driven demand for nuclear imaging, as early intervention has become a priority for healthcare services.
- Furthermore, clinical trials and research activities focusing on novel imaging agents and therapies are creating demand for nuclear imaging capabilities in UK hospitals and research centers.
China holds a dominant position in the Asia Pacific nuclear medicine market.
- China has seen a significant rise in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. Nuclear medicine, particularly PET and SPECT imaging, plays a critical role in diagnosing and monitoring these diseases, supporting the demand for nuclear diagnostics. Early detection and accurate staging of chronic diseases are increasingly prioritized in the country, as healthcare providers work to improve patient outcomes with timely and effective interventions.
- In addition, China’s expanding domestic production of radiopharmaceuticals, driven by government incentives and partnerships with international pharmaceutical companies, has increased the availability of nuclear imaging agents and therapies in the country.