PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1887135
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1887135
The global molecular imaging market continues to advance as healthcare systems increasingly adopt precision diagnostic technologies to improve disease detection and treatment monitoring. According to the latest industry assessments, the market was valued at USD 2.19 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 2.32 billion in 2025, reaching USD 3.46 billion by 2032. This growth is attributed to rising chronic disease prevalence, technological innovations in PET and SPECT imaging, and expanding healthcare infrastructure in developed and emerging markets.
Market Insights and Key Growth Factors
Molecular imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing complex diseases by visualizing biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels. Demand for advanced imaging systems continues to rise, primarily due to increasing cases of cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions. The National Cancer Institute (2024) anticipates 2.0 million new cancer cases in the U.S. in 2024, demonstrating the urgent need for improved diagnostic tools.
A significant driver for the market in 2024 and 2025 is the rapid growth of the geriatric population. The Pew Research Center (2024) reported that 62 million adults aged 65+ live in the U.S., expected to reach 84 million by 2054. This aging demographic is more susceptible to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and musculoskeletal conditions-further supporting the need for more PET and SPECT scanners worldwide.
Additionally, leading manufacturers such as GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers AG, Canon Medical, and Philips continue to invest in R&D, introducing advanced hybrid imaging systems such as PET/CT and SPECT/CT, which improve diagnostic accuracy and shorten scan times.
Market Restraints
Despite its significant benefits, molecular imaging technology involves high investment costs, limiting adoption in low- and middle-income regions. A new PET/CT scanner costs between USD 0.5 million and USD 5.0 million, creating a financial barrier for many healthcare facilities. Moreover, the growing market for refurbished equipment-priced significantly lower at USD 0.25 million to USD 0.45 million-poses strong competition for new system installations, especially in emerging markets.
Opportunities in Medical Applications
The expanding use of molecular imaging across cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, and gynecology offers substantial growth opportunities through 2032. Point-of-care molecular imaging is gaining adoption due to faster results and better accessibility. According to a 2021 NCBI survey, 93% of respondents in the U.S. believed POCT improved their care, encouraging more hospitals and diagnostic centers to invest in advanced scanners.
Personalized medicine and precision oncology are further accelerating the demand for molecular imaging. PET and SPECT scans enable real-time evaluation of treatment responses, allowing physicians to tailor therapies more effectively.
By Type
In 2024, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) was the leading segment, driven by increasing neurological and oncological cases. The WHO reported 1.48 PET scanners per million population in Canada, highlighting strong adoption rates. SPECT technology is expected to grow steadily through 2032 as manufacturers introduce more affordable and efficient systems.
By Application
The oncology segment dominated in 2024 due to an escalating global cancer burden. Orthopedic applications also expanded, supported by 3.6 million orthopedic injury-related hospital visits annually in the U.S. Neurology is anticipated to rise significantly through 2032 as chronic neurological disorders become more common.
By End-User
Diagnostic imaging centers are growing fastest due to greater patient preference for shorter wait times and advanced imaging options. The U.S. had about 19,000 imaging centers in 2023, showcasing the scale of this segment.
North America
The largest market in 2024, North America recorded USD 0.96 billion in molecular imaging value. Strong healthcare spending, early adoption of advanced technology, and leading manufacturers in the region support continued dominance through 2032.
Europe
Growth is driven by increasing PET/CT and SPECT installations and government support for imaging research. The Netherlands leads with 2.33 PET scanners per million population.
Asia Pacific
Expected to be the fastest-growing region, supported by rising healthcare investment and a large elderly population. China alone recorded 297 million people aged 60+ in 2023.
Conclusion
With market value rising from USD 2.19 billion in 2024 to USD 2.32 billion in 2025, and projected to reach USD 3.46 billion by 2032, the molecular imaging market is poised for substantial expansion. Advancements in PET and SPECT technology, increasing chronic disease prevalence, and strong demand for precision diagnostics will sustain growth over the forecast period.
a DETAILS
Segmentation By Type
By Application
By End-user
By Geography