PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1886904
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1886904
The global oncology positron emission tomography (PET) scan market continues to expand as cancer incidence rises and demand for accurate diagnostic imaging intensifies. The market was valued at USD 11.74 billion in 2024, is expected to reach USD 12.31 billion in 2025, and is projected to rise to USD 18.04 billion by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. North America accounted for 52.55% of the market share in 2024, supported by strong technological adoption, extensive imaging infrastructure, and high cancer screening rates.
Oncology PET scans serve as critical tools for staging cancer, guiding treatment decisions, and evaluating therapeutic response. This non-invasive imaging technique, driven by radiotracers, allows clinicians to detect metabolic activity at a cellular level, making it indispensable for early cancer detection. The increasing prevalence of cancer worldwide, investment in PET infrastructure, and emergence of advanced PET/CT systems are accelerating global adoption.
Market Dynamics
Market Drivers
A major driver of market expansion is the rising global cancer burden, leading to the implementation of national screening programs and rapid deployment of advanced imaging systems. Healthcare organizations globally are adopting PET scans due to their high diagnostic accuracy and value in personalized cancer treatment. Updated clinical guidelines, such as the 2022 SNMMI and NCCN endorsement of novel PET agents like PYLARIFY for prostate cancer, further support adoption.
Growing emphasis on early diagnosis, precision oncology, and therapy monitoring continues to push demand for PET imaging. As per the American Cancer Society, over 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer are expected in the U.S. in 2025, underscoring the need for enhanced diagnostic modalities.
Market Restraints
A major challenge remains the high cost of PET systems, which restricts penetration in developing markets. Entry-level scanners cost approximately USD 475,000, while high-end scanners exceed USD 750,000, making installation and maintenance financially burdensome for smaller hospitals. Additionally, radiotracer preparation, staff expertise, and infrastructure add to operational costs.
Reimbursement limitations further hinder accessibility. In several developing economies, PET scans remain underfunded or partially covered, creating barriers to diagnostic adoption. Even in developed regions, insurance may not support multiple scans or certain cancer types, limiting market utilization.
Market Opportunities
Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in oncology PET imaging presents significant opportunities. AI tools enhance lesion detection, automate tumor quantification, and improve workflow efficiency. For instance, Siemens Healthineers' Biograph Vision PET/CT, launched in 2023, features advanced time-of-flight imaging that improves diagnostic clarity. As AI-enabled systems gain regulatory approvals, their adoption is poised to accelerate PET imaging efficiency globally.
Market Challenges
Persistent radiotracer supply chain constraints represent a crucial challenge. Radiotracers such as FDG have short half-lives, demanding efficient logistics. Any delay disrupts scheduling and increases waiting times. In the U.K., 2024 data showed 92% of cancer patients waited at least 31 days for screenings, partly due to radiotracer bottlenecks. Global dependence on limited isotope suppliers also makes health systems vulnerable to production disruptions.
Market Trends
A defining trend is the shift toward theranostics, which combines diagnostic PET imaging with targeted radionuclide therapy. PSMA-based PET imaging for prostate cancer and novel tracers for neuroendocrine tumors illustrate the growing interest in precision oncology. Advancements in imaging biomarkers are also transforming treatment planning by enabling prediction of therapy outcomes and real-time monitoring.
Segmentation Overview
By Source of Payment
The private insurance/out-of-pocket segment dominated 2024, driven by patient preference for faster access to premium oncology diagnostics. Rising cancer treatment costs reinforce the shift toward private spending. The public segment also grew due to global efforts to integrate PET imaging into government-funded cancer programs.
By Service Provider
Hospitals dominated the market in 2024, backed by advanced imaging infrastructure and trained radiology teams. Diagnostic centers, however, are projected to grow fastest due to cost-effectiveness, shorter wait times, and rising investments in PET/CT acquisition.
Regional Overview
North America (USD 6.17 billion in 2024)
The region leads globally due to strong healthcare infrastructure and high adoption of advanced PET systems. Installations of new-generation scanners-such as Omni Legend 32 PET/CT in Arizona (2024)-highlight ongoing modernization.
Europe
Market growth is driven by rising cancer cases and expansion of PET imaging agents. In 2025, Telix Pharmaceuticals' Illuccix received Swedish approval, supporting advanced prostate cancer imaging.
Asia Pacific
Expected to record the highest CAGR, driven by expanding healthcare systems, growing screening programs, and rising tracer commercialization partnerships, such as Curium and PeptiDream's collaboration in Japan.
Latin America & Middle East-Africa
These regions show strong growth potential due to increasing cancer prevalence and expanding installation of PET CT systems, including new centers in Brazil and Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
Driven by rising cancer cases, AI integration, and advancements in theranostics, the oncology PET scan market is projected to increase from USD 11.74 billion in 2024 to USD 18.04 billion by 2032. Continuous investments in next-generation PET technologies will continue shaping the global cancer diagnostics landscape.
Segmentation By Source of Payment
By Service Providers
By Region