U.S. Nuclear Medicine Market Analysis
Based on product, the U.S. nuclear medicine market is categorized into diagnostics and therapeutics. The diagnostics segment dominated the market with a revenue of around USD 4.5 billion in 2023.
- The segment is experiencing significant growth driven by several key factors, including the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, advancements in imaging technologies, the demand for early and accurate diagnoses, and the rising focus on personalized medicine. The aging population, particularly in the U.S., is leading to a higher incidence of conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders.
- According to the National Cancer Institute, By 2040, the number of new cancer cases per year is expected to rise to 29.9 million and the number of cancer-related deaths to 15.3 million worldwide. Moreover, in 2024, an estimated 2,001,140 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. This emphasizes the need for effective diagnostic tools that nuclear medicine can provide.
- Furthermore, technological advancements in imaging modalities, particularly Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), have significantly improved diagnostic capabilities. These advanced imaging techniques offer higher resolution images, allowing for better localization and characterization of tumors and other abnormalities.
Based on application, the U.S. 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%.
- One of the key drivers of this segment is the growing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in 2023, an estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s. As the population ages, the demand for accurate and non-invasive imaging techniques to detect early-stage dementia has surged, with PET scans using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and amyloid tracers playing a crucial role in diagnosing and differentiating types of dementia. In 2022, advancements in PET imaging with tau-specific tracers also gained traction, providing deeper insights into Alzheimer’s pathology.
- Parkinson’s disease is another area driving growth in the neurology segment. The Parkinson’s Foundation study in 2022, reported that approximately 90,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year in the U.S. Nuclear imaging, particularly dopamine transporter (DAT) SPECT scans, is widely used to assess dopaminergic neuron loss, aiding in early diagnosis and treatment planning.
- The increase in neurological disorders and ongoing technological advancements in radiopharmaceuticals and imaging systems continue to fuel the demand for nuclear medicine in neurology.
Based on end use, the U.S. 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 15 billion by 2032.
- A major driver is the increasing demand for sophisticated diagnostic tools, such as Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, which are widely adopted in hospitals for their ability to provide precise and early diagnosis of diseases like cancer and heart conditions. As hospitals are equipped with advanced infrastructure and specialized staff, they can offer these cutting-edge imaging services, driving growth in the nuclear medicine market. The growing prevalence of chronic diseases in the U.S. population, particularly cardiovascular diseases and cancers, is also boosting hospital demand for nuclear imaging.
- There has been a notable rise in hospital investments in nuclear medicine equipment and radiopharmaceuticals. For instance, in 2022, several hospitals expanded their nuclear medicine departments, focusing on PET and SPECT imaging systems to support oncology and neurology departments.
East North Central nuclear medicine market accounted for USD 1 billion market revenue in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 16% between 2024 and 2032.
- The East North Central zone is experiencing significant growth in the market, driven by several key factors. Firstly, the rising prevalence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases in states like Illinois and Michigan has led to an increased demand for diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures. Furthermore, the region boasts several leading medical institutions and research centers, such as the Cleveland Clinic and University of Chicago Medical Center, which are at the forefront of nuclear medicine innovation. These institutions contribute to increased adoption and accessibility of nuclear imaging technologies.
- Additionally, initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure and improving patient access to nuclear medicine services in states like Ohio and Indiana are further driving market growth.
West South-Central nuclear medicine market is projected to grow remarkably in the coming years.
- One of the primary drivers is the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, particularly cancer and cardiovascular conditions, which has heightened the demand for advanced diagnostic imaging techniques such as PET and SPECT. For instance, Texas has seen a surge in cancer cases, leading to a greater need for nuclear medicine services.
- The Texas Department of State Health reported that Texas had an estimated 131,610 new cancer cases in 2021 alone, emphasizing the urgency for accurate diagnostic tools. Moreover, the presence of leading healthcare institutions and research facilities in this region fosters innovation and the adoption of advanced nuclear imaging technologies.
- Additionally, initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare access in rural areas, such as telehealth services, are also contributing to market growth.