U.S. PET-CT Scanner Market Analysis
Based on type, the market is segmented into digital and analog. The digital segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 511.8 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period.
- Digital PET-CT scanners, such as the Vereos PET/CT system, utilize advanced digital photon-counting technology, offering superior resolution, increased sensitivity, and long-term stability compared to traditional analog systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that such advancements in imaging technology are vital for early cancer detection and treatment. This progress is essential for improving the accuracy of cancer diagnoses and enhancing the ability to detect even the smallest lesions in patients.
- Additionally, the growing demand for precise imaging in oncology and cardiology further drives the adoption of digital systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early and accurate cancer detection significantly enhances treatment outcomes. A February 2020 study published in EJNMMI Physics found that digital PET/CT systems outperform analog ones in identifying smaller lesions, with up to 37-44% higher maximum uptake values, boosting diagnostic confidence. This shift highlights the importance of integrating advanced imaging technologies into medical practice, leading to segmental growth.
- Furthermore, digital PET-CT systems offer operational advantages, including shorter scan times, reduced radiation exposure, and lower operational costs due to fewer hardware components. The American Hospital Association (AHA) reports that healthcare facilities are prioritizing cost reduction, making these systems an attractive option for U.S. medical centers. As a result, the adoption of digital PET-CT systems is expected to grow due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness, driving the market growth over the forthcoming years.
Based on modality, the U.S. PET-CT scanner market is segmented into fixed and mobile. The mobile segment of the market, which held a 39.8% share in 2023, is poised for substantial growth in the coming years.
- PET-CT scanners play a crucial role in early cancer detection, staging, and treatment monitoring. Mobile PET-CT units extend these services to underserved or rural areas with limited access to advanced medical technology, enhancing comprehensive cancer care across diverse populations.
- Further, mobile PET-CT scanners address the needs of healthcare facilities lacking permanent imaging equipment. These mobile diagnostic solutions facilitate timely interventions, potentially improving patient outcomes.
- The shift towards outpatient care and value-based healthcare is further driving demand for cost-effective diagnostic solutions. Mobile PET-CT scanners allow healthcare providers to offer convenient services in outpatient settings while minimizing the expenses associated with constructing dedicated imaging centers. This approach aligns with the growing trend of delivering more efficient, patient-centered healthcare.
- Moreover, advancements in PET-CT technology, such as improved image quality, shorter scanning times, and reduced radiation exposure, have also made mobile units more appealing to healthcare providers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to approve state-of-the-art PET-CT systems that feature reduced radiation doses and faster scan times. These innovations ensure that mobile units deliver diagnostic results comparable to stationary systems, further encouraging their adoption across various healthcare settings.
- Therefore, these factors are expected to augment segmental growth.
Based on slice count, the U.S. PET-CT scanner market is segmented into high slice, medium slice, and low slice. The medium slice segment of the market, which held a 52.3% share in 2023, is poised for substantial growth in the coming years.
- Medium-slice PET-CT scanners, which typically feature 16 to 64 detector slices, strike a balance between high image resolution and cost-effectiveness compared to high-slice models. These devices are vital in oncology, cardiology, and neurology, offering detailed images of metabolic activity alongside anatomical structures.
- Recent technological advancements have enhanced medium-slice PET-CT scanners by improving image quality, reducing scan times, and incorporating advanced software for precise quantification. These improvements make medium-slice scanners an attractive option for healthcare facilities seeking to upgrade their diagnostic capabilities without the financial burden associated with high-end systems.
- Medium-slice PET-CT scanners provide a more affordable alternative to higher-slice models while maintaining adequate resolution and functionality for various clinical applications. This cost-effectiveness is particularly appealing to smaller hospitals, outpatient centers, and facilities in rural areas. According to the CDC, rural Americans experience higher mortality rates from cancer, heart disease, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD), and stroke compared to urban populations. The availability of medium-slice PET-CT scanners in rural healthcare facilities could help mitigate this disparity by improving access to advanced diagnostic imaging.
Based on application, the U.S. PET-CT scanner market is segmented into cardiology, oncology, neurology, and other applications. The oncology segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 697.2 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period.
- The U.S. market for PET-CT scanners in oncology is shaped by several factors, including rising cancer rates, technological advancements, favorable reimbursement policies, and an aging population. As healthcare evolves, the significance of PET-CT in oncology diagnostics and treatment monitoring is expected to grow, bolstered by continuous innovations and increased healthcare accessibility.
- Additionally, the increasing prevalence of cancer in the U.S. drives the demand for advanced diagnostic imaging techniques. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 17,435,314 individuals were living with cancer in the U.S. in 2021. This high incidence rate highlights the urgent need for sophisticated imaging technologies such as PET-CT in oncology.
- Furthermore, the use of PET-CT in clinical trials for cancer therapies also contributes to market growth. Numerous research institutions and pharmaceutical companies depend on PET-CT scans to assess treatment efficacy and monitor cancer progression. The National Institutes of Health's clinical trial database lists many ongoing studies incorporating PET-CT in cancer research, further demonstrating its critical role in advancing cancer treatments.
- Moreover, the emergence of new therapies, such as cancer immunotherapy and personalized medicine to treat cancer, has escalated the need for advanced imaging to evaluate treatment responses. PET-CT is essential for assessing the effectiveness of these therapies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several immunotherapy drugs in recent years, which has heightened the demand for precise imaging techniques to monitor treatment outcomes.
- Therefore, the aforementioned factors are expected to significantly boost the growth of the segment over the forecast period.
Based on end-use, the market is segmented into hospitals, diagnostic centers, ambulatory surgical centers, research institutes, and other end users. The hospitals segment of the market, which held a 59.1% share in 2023, is poised for substantial growth in the coming years.
- The U.S. market for PET-CT scanners in hospitals is shaped by several key factors, including the rising incidence of cancer, technological advancements, and an aging population. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 40.5% of men and women are expected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, highlighting the critical role of PET-CT imaging in enhancing diagnostic capabilities, supporting personalized medicine, and improving patient outcomes. As these trends continue, the demand for PET-CT scanners in U.S. hospitals is expected to grow, reflecting the increasing need for advanced diagnostic tools in cancer care.
- The surge in healthcare service demand in hospital settings is also driven by hospitals' capacity to invest in technologically advanced equipment, thereby attracting patients seeking high-quality treatment. For instance, spending on hospital care services in the U.S. rose by 2.2% in 2022, reaching USD 1.4 trillion. This trend underscores the vital role of advanced diagnostic tools like PET-CT scanners in addressing the evolving healthcare needs of patients.
- Finally, growing public awareness of the significance of early diagnosis and advanced treatment options is driving higher patient demand for PET-CT scans. As patients become more informed about the benefits of comprehensive diagnostic imaging, their preferences influence hospital decisions regarding technology investments, thereby promoting further adoption of PET-CT scanners in healthcare facilities.
The Northeast zone dominated the U.S. PET-CT scanner market with the largest revenue of USD 177.1 million in 2023 and is projected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period.
- The Northeast U.S. boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure, with many academic medical centers, hospitals, and outpatient imaging centers integrating PET-CT technology into their diagnostic services. The National Cancer Institute's Cancer Centers Program includes several comprehensive cancer centers in the Northeast, such as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, both of which heavily rely on advanced imaging technologies. The concentration of these specialized centers amplifies the demand for PET-CT scanners in the region.
- Moreover, the Northeast serves as a hub for medical research and clinical trials, with prominent institutions like Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, and Mount Sinai School of Medicine conducting studies that utilize advanced imaging modalities. PET-CT scanners are essential for evaluating treatment efficacy in oncology and neurology research.
- Furthermore, improved reimbursement policies for PET-CT scans by Medicare and private insurers are encouraging healthcare providers to adopt this technology. This financial support expands access to advanced diagnostic imaging for a broader patient population, potentially facilitating earlier disease detection and more effective treatment planning throughout the Northeast.
- Therefore, the aforementioned factors are expected to significantly boost the growth of the segment over the forecast period.