Nuclear Medicine Market By Type, Application End-Users, Region for 2026-2032

Nuclear Medicine Market Valuation - 2026-2032

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory disorders, neurological disorders, and metabolic conditions is a significant driver for the nuclear medicine market. Thus, the rising prevalence of chronic disorders surged the growth of market size surpassing USD 6.8 Billion in 2024 to reach a valuation of USD 12.99 Billion by 2032.

The adoption of nuclear medicine in the healthcare sector was at a nascent stage compared to traditional drug products. However, advancements in medical imaging technologies, radiopharmaceuticals, and the growing understanding of nuclear medicine's benefits have led to its increasing adoption. Thus, the increasing adoption of nuclear medicine in the healthcare sector enables the market to grow at a CAGR of 9.30% from 2026 to 2032.

Nuclear Medicine Market: Definition/ Overview

Nuclear medicine is a multidisciplinary field that utilizes radioactive materials, or radiopharmaceuticals, for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases in areas such as neurology, cardiology, the endocrine system, the gastrointestinal system, and cancers. Radiopharmaceuticals contain a radioactive tracer that, when injected into the patient's body, emits gamma rays. These rays are captured by advanced imaging techniques like Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), enabling highly detailed images that aid in early detection, accurate diagnosis, and comprehensive examination of diseases, surpassing the capabilities of conventional imaging methods.

Recent advancements in radiopharmaceuticals have enhanced the ability to study micro-level physiological processes, such as cancer cell proliferation, myocardial perfusion in cardiac conditions, ventilation in severe pneumonia cases, and thyroid and parathyroid activity in hyperthyroidism. Nuclear medicine is increasingly used in research and development for next-generation therapies, including radiopharmaceutical conjugates with antibodies, biological drugs, and peptides. This enables targeted drug delivery, dose optimization, and the creation of innovative therapeutic solutions. As a result, nuclear medicine is not only a powerful diagnostic tool but also a key player in advancing therapeutic strategies across multiple medical fields.

How Does the Rising Incidence of Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Surge the Growth of the Nuclear Medicine Market?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. The American Heart Association reported that cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death, accounting for more than 17.9 million deaths per year in 2019. Technological advancements in radiopharmaceuticals and imaging equipment. According to the Verified Market Research, the Radiopharmaceuticals Market was valued at 6.05 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 13.61 Billion by 2032, growing CAGR of 11.76%.

Increasing investment in nuclear medicine research and development. The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science budget for Nuclear Physics research was $713 million in fiscal year 2021. The European Commission allocated €1.38 billion for nuclear research and training activities under the Euratom Research and Training Programme 2021-2025. Growing awareness and acceptance of personalized medicine. According to the report of Verified Market Research the Personalized Medicine Market was valued at 130.23 Billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at 272.59 Billion by 2032, growing CAGR 10.67% from 2026 to 2032. A survey by the Personalized Medicine Coalition found that 73% of oncologists use personalized medicine testing for cancer patients.

Expanding applications of radioisotopes in molecular imaging. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission reported that approximately 50 million nuclear medicine procedures are performed each year in the United States. Increasing geriatric population and associated chronic diseases. The United Nations reported that the global population aged 65 and over is growing faster than all other age groups, expected to double to 1.5 billion by 2050. The WHO projects that by 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over, increasing the demand for diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures.

How does the High Cost of Nuclear Medicine Procedures and Equipment Impede the Growth of the Nuclear Medicine Market?

The high cost of nuclear medicine procedures and equipment hinders the growth of the nuclear medicine market. According to the American College of Radiology, the average cost of a PET/CT scan in the U.S. ranges from $1,250 to $1,650, which is prohibitively expensive for many patients. Stringent regulatory requirements. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission reported that it takes an average of 24 months to review and approve a new radiopharmaceutical. In Europe, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved only 3 new radiopharmaceuticals between 2018 and 2022, highlighting the rigorous approval process.

Short half-life of radiopharmaceuticals. The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging noted that commonly used radioisotopes like Technetium-99m have a half-life of only 6 hours, complicating logistics and increasing costs. A study in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that up to 20% of prepared doses of short-lived radiopharmaceuticals go unused due to logistical challenges. Shortage of skilled nuclear medicine technologists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 5% growth in demand for nuclear medicine technologists from 2019 to 2029 but noted that the field is small, with only about 18,000 jobs in 2019. A survey by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists found that 4.7% of nuclear medicine technologist positions were vacant in 2019, indicating a shortage of qualified professionals.

Category-Wise Acumens

How the Diagnostic Imaging Technologies Foster the Growth of Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine Segment?

The diagnostic nuclear medicine segment dominates in the nuclear medicine market driven by advancements in diagnostic imaging technologies, such as the ability to capture high-resolution 3D images, faster device processing speeds, and increased automation. These improvements enhance the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosing various diseases, making nuclear medicine an essential tool in modern healthcare. Additionally, government interventions and the approval of numerous nuclear medicines for different disease treatments have accelerated the commercialization of these products, further expanding the segment's reach.

The development of a robust supply chain for radiopharmaceuticals and the availability of advanced infrastructure for the production and distribution of these medicines are also contributing to the segment's dominance. As a result, nuclear medicine is becoming more accessible, allowing healthcare providers to utilize cutting-edge diagnostic tools for early detection and precise treatment planning. These factors, coupled with growing healthcare investments and the demand for better diagnostic solutions, are expected to drive the market forward. The diagnostic nuclear medicine segment will continue to play a critical role in the healthcare landscape, improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of medical imaging and treatment.

How the Increasing Prevalence of Cancer Surge the Growth of Oncology Segment?

The oncology segment is set to dominate nuclear medicine driven by the increasing global burden of cancer. Changes in lifestyle, including unhealthy diets, smoking, and sedentary work habits, have significantly contributed to the rising incidence of cancer. Rapid urbanization has led to a larger population engaging in regular smoking, which remains a leading risk factor for various types of cancer. Additionally, sedentary lifestyles, characterized by minimal physical activity and a higher intake of processed and junk food, further exacerbate the cancer risk.

With cancer continuing to cause a significant number of deaths worldwide, there is a growing demand for more effective diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Nuclear medicine plays a critical role in oncology by offering highly advanced imaging techniques for early detection and precise diagnosis, which are crucial for improving treatment outcomes. Moreover, there has been a surge in investments aimed at developing novel radiopharmaceuticals and therapies specifically designed for cancer treatment. These advancements enable targeted treatment, improving patient outcomes while minimizing side effects.

Country/Region-wise Acumens

How Does the High Prevalence of Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Surge the Growth of the Nuclear Medicine Market in North America?

The increasing prevalence of cancer and cardiovascular disorders escalates the growth of nuclear medicine. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in the United States in 2021. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for about 659,000 deaths annually as of 2020. Strong research and development infrastructure The National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget for cancer research reached USD 6.56 Billion in fiscal year 2021, a significant portion of which supports nuclear medicine research. The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) reported that over 20 million nuclear medicine procedures are performed each year in the United States.

Favorable Reimbursement Policies and Healthcare Spending. the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported that national health spending in the U.S. grew 9.7% to $4.1 trillion in 2020, or $12,530 per person. A study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that Medicare reimbursement for PET scans increased by 14% between 2017 and 2020, encouraging wider adoption.

How does the Rapid Growth in Healthcare Infrastructure and Spending Foster the Growth of the Nuclear Medicine Market in Asia Pacific?

The growing healthcare infrastructure and high investment surge the growth of the nuclear medicine market in the Asia Pacific. According to the World Health Organization, healthcare spending in the Asia Pacific region was projected to grow at an annual rate of 7.1% between 2020 and 2024, outpacing the global average of 5.4%. China's healthcare expenditure reached 7.12 trillion yuan (approximately USD 1.1 Trillion) in 2020, a 10.2% increase from the previous year, as reported by the National Health Commission of China.

Increasing prevalence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimated that in 2020, there were approximately 8.9 million new cancer cases in Asia, accounting for nearly half of the global cancer burden. The Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology reported that cardiovascular diseases accounted for 35% of all deaths in the Asia Pacific region in 2019, highlighting the need for advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options. Growing adoption of nuclear medicine technologies. The Indian nuclear medicine market was expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% between 2021 and 2026, driven by increasing government initiatives and rising awareness, as per a study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the Nuclear Medicine Market is characterized by technological innovation, regulatory compliance, and a focus on providing high-quality, cost-effective services. Players must continuously invest in research and development, build strong partnerships, and adapt to evolving market trends to maintain a competitive edge.

The organizations are focusing on innovating their product line to serve the vast population in diverse regions. Some of the prominent players operating in the nuclear medicine market include:

• Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc.
• Cardinal Health
• Norgine B.V.
• Nordion, Inc.
• Bayer AG
• Curium
• Advanced Accelerator Applications
• Bracco Diagnostic, Inc.
• Jubilant Pharmova Limited
• GE Healthcare (General Electric Company)

Latest Developments:

• In April 2024, Curium announced the acquisition of EczacIbasI-Monrol Nuclear Product Co. This acquisition is expected to broaden its geographical reach, PET and SPECT infrastructure, and enable the development of cutting-edge radionuclide and radiopharmaceutical pipelines for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
• In February 2024, Curium reported that the Swissmedic had accepted their marketing authorization application for PYLCLARI, a novel (18F)-PSMA PET tracer, for evaluation.
• In February 2024, Lantheus Holdings, Inc. announced the collaboration with the Consortium for Clarity in Alzheimer's Disease Research via Imaging (CLARiTI), which was financed by the National Institute on Aging.

Nuclear Medicine Market, By Category

• Type:
• Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine
• PET Radiopharmaceuticals
• SPECT Radiopharmaceuticals
• Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine
• Application:
• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Oncology
• End-Users:
• Hospitals & Clinics
• Diagnostic Centers
• Region:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa