Nuclear Medicine Market Size
The Global Nuclear Medicine Market size was USD 12.25 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 13.52 billion in 2025, rising further to USD 14.92 billion in 2026 and USD 32.91 billion by 2034. The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10.39% during the forecast period (2025–2034). With diagnostics contributing nearly 71% of share and therapeutics 29%, the sector is rapidly advancing, supported by oncology applications holding over 40% of demand and cardiology accounting for 21%.
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The US Nuclear Medicine Market is expanding strongly, accounting for more than 62% of North America’s 41% global share. PET and SPECT imaging dominate, representing over 67% of procedures. Oncology drives approximately 43% of adoption, while cardiology contributes 27%. Research funding in targeted therapies increased by 18%, and more than 35% of investments are directed toward alpha emitter development, highlighting significant future growth opportunities in therapeutic applications across the United States.
Key Findings
- Market Size: $ 12.25 billion (2024), $ 13.52 billion (2025), $ 32.91 billion (2034), 10.39% growth rate over forecast period.
- Growth Drivers: Oncology contributes 40%, cardiology 21%, neurology 15%, therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals adoption rising by 28%, diagnostics capturing 71% share globally.
- Trends: SPECT holds 42%, PET 29%, alpha emitters 12%, beta emitters 9%, brachytherapy 8%, precision therapies expanding by 25% globally.
- Key Players: GE Healthcare, Curium, Bayer AG, Cardinal Health, Bracco Imaging & more.
- Regional Insights: North America leads with 41% share, supported by advanced imaging use. Europe follows with 28%, driven by oncology diagnostics. Asia-Pacific holds 22%, expanding with healthcare investments. Middle East & Africa contributes 9%, reflecting gradual adoption and growing infrastructure, together completing the full 100% global nuclear medicine market.
- Challenges: Infrastructure gaps leave 32% hospitals without PET or SPECT, 22% shortage in skilled technologists, 38% isotope wastage and 41% supply delays.
- Industry Impact: Diagnostics account for 71%, therapeutics 29%, oncology 40%, cardiology 21%, neurology 15%, reshaping imaging and treatment standards globally.
- Recent Developments: PET tracers grew by 32%, alpha therapies by 18%, isotope supply expanded 28%, production boosted 22%, clinical trial success reached 70%.
The Nuclear Medicine Market is distinguished by its rapid integration of theranostics, combining diagnostics and therapy into single platforms. Over 30% of research pipelines now focus on dual-use products that improve precision in oncology and neurology. Around 42% of funding is being directed toward PET and SPECT imaging advancements. Nearly 35% of emerging market growth is supported by government initiatives, while alpha and beta therapies are together capturing over 20% share of treatment modalities worldwide.
Nuclear Medicine Market Trends
The nuclear medicine market is experiencing strong momentum with diagnostics holding nearly 71% share of the total demand, while therapeutics represent about 29%. Within diagnostics, SPECT continues to dominate, accounting for around 42% of usage, whereas PET has rapidly expanded its role to nearly 29% of global share. Oncology applications lead the market with more than 40% share, followed by cardiology at 21% and neurology at approximately 15%. Thyroid applications contribute close to 6%, while bone metastasis and lymphoma combined add nearly 9%. Alpha emitters are emerging strongly with about 12% market share, while beta emitters account for around 9%. Brachytherapy, though a smaller segment, maintains a steady 8% contribution. Regionally, North America leads with 41% share, Europe follows with 28%, Asia-Pacific captures 22%, and the Middle East & Africa accounts for 9%, reflecting a complete 100% split globally. Research and innovation are accelerating, with more than 45% of pipelines focusing on precision oncology and nearly 30% targeting neurological disorders, indicating a shift towards disease-specific solutions in nuclear medicine.
Nuclear Medicine Market Dynamics
Rising Adoption of Targeted Therapies
Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals are expanding rapidly, contributing nearly 28% of the overall nuclear medicine market share. Adoption in oncology accounts for more than 35% of total usage in therapeutic applications. Emerging economies are recording a 40% higher adoption rate compared to developed regions, showing clear opportunities for expanding targeted treatments worldwide.
Increasing Demand for Diagnostic Imaging
Over 70% of nuclear medicine procedures are linked to diagnostic imaging, with PET scans alone representing nearly 45% of total diagnostic demand. Cardiovascular and oncology applications dominate, contributing more than 55% combined. Rising chronic disease cases are boosting imaging utilization, fueling consistent growth in diagnostic-driven demand across global healthcare systems.
RESTRAINTS
"Limited Access to Infrastructure"
Less than 32% of hospitals in developing regions are equipped with PET or SPECT scanners, significantly restraining adoption. Shortages in trained professionals remain critical, with a 22% global gap between required and available nuclear medicine technologists. This lack of infrastructure and expertise restricts market penetration in several high-demand regions.
CHALLENGE
"Short Half-Life of Isotopes"
Approximately 38% of radiopharmaceutical doses face wastage due to the short half-life of isotopes and distribution delays. Supply chain hurdles create over 41% of availability issues in certain regions, with logistical inefficiencies causing significant treatment gaps. These challenges raise operational costs and complicate large-scale adoption in nuclear medicine applications.
Segmentation Analysis
The global nuclear medicine market stood at USD 12.25 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 13.52 Billion in 2025, growing to USD 32.91 Billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 10.39%. Segmentation by type highlights notable dominance of diagnostic solutions, particularly SPECT and PET, which collectively capture over 70% of share. Therapeutic categories such as alpha and beta emitters are gaining traction, contributing around 20% combined. Brachytherapy, while smaller in share, remains a consistent treatment option. By application, oncology dominates with more than 40% share, cardiology accounts for over 20%, and neurology holds approximately 15%. Each application segment is expected to maintain double-digit growth, with significant revenue expansion across all categories through 2034.
By Type
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy remains a crucial therapeutic modality, particularly for prostate and gynecological cancers. It represents around 8% of the overall type-based share, supported by targeted treatment precision and reduced side effects compared to conventional therapies.
Brachytherapy accounted for USD 1.08 Billion in 2025, representing 8% of the total market, and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2025 to 2034.
Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Brachytherapy Segment
- United States led the Brachytherapy segment with a market size of USD 0.42 Billion in 2025, holding a 39% share and expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% due to advanced oncology centers and adoption.
- Germany held USD 0.27 Billion in 2025, representing 25% share, expanding at a CAGR of 7.6% driven by established cancer care infrastructure.
- Japan captured USD 0.19 Billion in 2025 with 18% share, projected to grow at 7.8% CAGR fueled by high cancer prevalence and improved access.
SPECT
SPECT imaging dominates nuclear medicine diagnostics, representing approximately 42% of the type share. Its cost efficiency and broad use in cardiology and oncology enhance its widespread clinical utility.
SPECT accounted for USD 5.67 Billion in 2025, representing 42% of the market, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% through 2034.
Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the SPECT Segment
- United States led with USD 2.12 Billion in 2025, holding a 37% share, growing at 9.5% CAGR due to rising chronic disease diagnostics.
- China held USD 1.49 Billion in 2025, representing 26% share, expanding at a CAGR of 10.1% supported by healthcare modernization.
- India accounted for USD 0.85 Billion in 2025 with 15% share, projected to grow at 10.5% CAGR as adoption accelerates.
PET
PET scans hold around 29% share, highly preferred for oncology and neurology owing to superior imaging resolution and accuracy in disease detection.
PET reached USD 3.92 Billion in 2025, representing 29% of the global market, and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11.2% during 2025–2034.
Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the PET Segment
- United States led with USD 1.48 Billion in 2025, holding a 38% share, growing at 10.9% CAGR due to precision cancer diagnostics.
- Germany held USD 0.94 Billion in 2025, representing 24% share, expanding at 11.4% CAGR driven by advanced hospital networks.
- Japan captured USD 0.67 Billion in 2025, with 17% share, growing at 11.5% CAGR backed by neurological diagnostic advancements.
Alpha Emitters
Alpha emitters are an emerging therapeutic option, capturing around 12% of share, valued for targeted cell killing with minimal impact on surrounding tissues.
Alpha Emitters accounted for USD 1.62 Billion in 2025, representing 12% share, and are expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.1% through 2034.
Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Alpha Emitters Segment
- United States held USD 0.64 Billion in 2025, representing 39% share, projected to grow at 12.8% CAGR with strong oncology R&D.
- France held USD 0.43 Billion in 2025, accounting for 26% share, growing at 13.2% CAGR due to research-driven innovations.
- Canada recorded USD 0.31 Billion in 2025, with 19% share, expected to grow at 13.4% CAGR due to increased cancer therapy trials.
Beta Emitters
Beta emitters hold approximately 9% share, commonly used for targeted therapy in lymphoma and thyroid disorders, supporting effective disease management.
Beta Emitters generated USD 1.21 Billion in 2025, representing 9% share, with an expected CAGR of 10.6% until 2034.
Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Beta Emitters Segment
- United States led with USD 0.46 Billion in 2025, holding 38% share, growing at 10.5% CAGR due to adoption in thyroid therapy.
- United Kingdom held USD 0.31 Billion in 2025, representing 26% share, expanding at 10.7% CAGR supported by targeted cancer programs.
- Japan reached USD 0.25 Billion in 2025, representing 20% share, growing at 10.8% CAGR due to wider lymphoma treatment usage.
By Application
Cardiology
Cardiology applications account for about 21% of the market, led by diagnostics for coronary artery disease and perfusion imaging tests.
Cardiology segment recorded USD 2.84 Billion in 2025, representing 21% share, with projected CAGR of 9.7% through 2034.
Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Cardiology Segment
- United States led with USD 1.12 Billion in 2025, 39% share, expected to grow at 9.6% CAGR driven by high cardiovascular prevalence.
- China held USD 0.74 Billion in 2025, 26% share, growing at 9.9% CAGR due to rising healthcare diagnostics.
- Germany captured USD 0.51 Billion in 2025, 18% share, expanding at 10% CAGR due to advanced diagnostic adoption.
Neurology
Neurology covers approximately 15% share, widely applied for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy diagnostics, using PET imaging tracers.
Neurology reached USD 2.03 Billion in 2025, 15% of the market, projected to expand at CAGR of 11.4% by 2034.
Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Neurology Segment
- United States led with USD 0.79 Billion in 2025, 39% share, growing at 11.3% CAGR supported by high neuro-disease prevalence.
- Japan accounted for USD 0.52 Billion in 2025, 26% share, growing at 11.5% CAGR driven by Alzheimer’s care programs.
- Germany registered USD 0.39 Billion in 2025, 19% share, with 11.6% CAGR due to advanced PET infrastructure.
Oncology
Oncology dominates with over 40% share, as nuclear medicine supports cancer detection, staging, and therapeutic applications.
Oncology was valued at USD 5.41 Billion in 2025, representing 40% of the total, with expected CAGR of 11.7% through 2034.
Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Oncology Segment
- United States led with USD 2.06 Billion in 2025, 38% share, growing at 11.5% CAGR fueled by strong cancer diagnostics.
- China held USD 1.35 Billion in 2025, 25% share, expanding at 11.8% CAGR with rising cancer patient base.
- Germany accounted for USD 0.97 Billion in 2025, 18% share, projected to grow at 11.9% CAGR due to innovation adoption.
Thyroid
Thyroid applications represent around 6% share, mostly using radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and therapy of hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer.
Thyroid applications held USD 0.81 Billion in 2025, 6% share, with CAGR of 9.3% forecasted through 2034.
Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Thyroid Segment
- United States led with USD 0.31 Billion in 2025, 38% share, growing at 9.2% CAGR due to high thyroid disorder prevalence.
- India registered USD 0.23 Billion in 2025, 28% share, expanding at 9.4% CAGR due to rising diagnostic demand.
- Japan accounted for USD 0.15 Billion in 2025, 19% share, with CAGR 9.5% owing to improved therapy protocols.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma accounts for about 5% of application share, benefiting from targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies and PET diagnostics.
Lymphoma reached USD 0.68 Billion in 2025, representing 5% share, with CAGR of 10.1% over the forecast period.
Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Lymphoma Segment
- United States held USD 0.26 Billion in 2025, 38% share, growing at 10% CAGR due to treatment innovations.
- Germany recorded USD 0.17 Billion in 2025, 25% share, expanding at 10.2% CAGR driven by advanced PET adoption.
- France reached USD 0.12 Billion in 2025, 18% share, growing at 10.3% CAGR with rising therapy programs.
Bone Metastasis
Bone metastasis holds approximately 4% share, with nuclear medicine improving imaging and targeted therapeutic management of secondary bone cancers.
Bone Metastasis applications accounted for USD 0.54 Billion in 2025, representing 4% share, with CAGR of 10.5% by 2034.
Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Bone Metastasis Segment
- United States led with USD 0.21 Billion in 2025, 39% share, growing at 10.3% CAGR due to high cancer incidence.
- Japan recorded USD 0.14 Billion in 2025, 26% share, growing at 10.6% CAGR due to expanded clinical trials.
- Germany held USD 0.09 Billion in 2025, 17% share, with 10.7% CAGR fueled by advanced therapies.
Endocrine Tumor
Endocrine tumors cover about 3% share, primarily in adrenal and neuroendocrine cancers treated with nuclear therapies.
Endocrine Tumor applications captured USD 0.41 Billion in 2025, 3% share, expanding at CAGR of 9.8% through 2034.
Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Endocrine Tumor Segment
- United States led with USD 0.16 Billion in 2025, 39% share, growing at 9.7% CAGR with advanced clinical adoption.
- Germany accounted for USD 0.10 Billion in 2025, 24% share, growing at 9.9% CAGR supported by hospital adoption.
- Japan held USD 0.08 Billion in 2025, 20% share, growing at 10% CAGR due to improved therapeutic research.
Others
Other applications, including infections and inflammatory conditions, contribute around 6% of total share, highlighting the versatility of nuclear medicine beyond core oncology and cardiology use.
Others segment recorded USD 0.81 Billion in 2025, representing 6% share, with CAGR of 9.5% over the forecast horizon.
Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Others Segment
- United States held USD 0.32 Billion in 2025, 40% share, projected to grow at 9.4% CAGR due to broader imaging uses.
- India recorded USD 0.21 Billion in 2025, 26% share, growing at 9.6% CAGR with increased adoption in infectious disease monitoring.
- China captured USD 0.15 Billion in 2025, 19% share, growing at 9.7% CAGR supported by healthcare expansion.
Nuclear Medicine Market Regional Outlook
The global nuclear medicine market was valued at USD 12.25 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 13.52 Billion in 2025, rising to USD 32.91 Billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 10.39%. Regional outlook highlights significant disparities in adoption and infrastructure. North America leads with 41% share, Europe follows at 28%, Asia-Pacific accounts for 22%, and the Middle East & Africa contributes 9%. Together these four regions represent the entire 100% of the global market, showing unique dynamics in adoption and growth.
North America
North America dominates the nuclear medicine landscape with advanced healthcare infrastructure and widespread adoption of diagnostic imaging. The region holds 41% share of the global market, driven by high cancer and cardiovascular disease prevalence. Demand for PET and SPECT scans is significant, accounting for more than 65% of procedures performed. Strong research initiatives and availability of isotopes strengthen this regional position. North America accounted for USD 5.54 Billion in 2025, representing 41% of the market size.
North America - Major Dominant Countries in the Nuclear Medicine Market
- United States led North America with USD 3.42 Billion in 2025, holding 62% share, expanding further due to advanced cancer diagnostics and R&D facilities.
- Canada recorded USD 1.16 Billion in 2025, representing 21% share, supported by strong imaging adoption in urban hospitals.
- Mexico reached USD 0.96 Billion in 2025, accounting for 17% share, driven by increased demand for cost-effective nuclear medicine therapies.
Europe
Europe represents 28% of the global nuclear medicine market, supported by established diagnostic networks and government-backed healthcare systems. Oncology remains the leading application, contributing more than 45% of regional procedures. PET imaging adoption is rising rapidly, especially in Western European nations. Europe accounted for USD 3.79 Billion in 2025, representing 28% of the overall share. Growing collaborations between hospitals and research centers continue to strengthen the European segment.
Europe - Major Dominant Countries in the Nuclear Medicine Market
- Germany led Europe with USD 1.28 Billion in 2025, 34% share, driven by hospital expansion and strong PET scan infrastructure.
- France accounted for USD 1.04 Billion in 2025, 27% share, boosted by advanced therapeutic radiopharmaceutical programs.
- United Kingdom recorded USD 0.87 Billion in 2025, 23% share, supported by demand for nuclear imaging in oncology diagnostics.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific holds 22% share of the global nuclear medicine market, driven by rising investments in healthcare modernization and expanding patient populations. Rapid adoption in India and China is boosting diagnostic imaging, while Japan remains a strong hub for neurological and oncological applications. Asia-Pacific accounted for USD 2.97 Billion in 2025, representing 22% share. Improved accessibility to advanced equipment is reshaping growth in this region, making it one of the fastest-growing markets globally.
Asia-Pacific - Major Dominant Countries in the Nuclear Medicine Market
- China led Asia-Pacific with USD 1.14 Billion in 2025, 38% share, supported by healthcare expansion and growing cancer patient base.
- Japan recorded USD 0.91 Billion in 2025, 31% share, driven by high demand for PET scans in neurological diseases.
- India reached USD 0.62 Billion in 2025, 21% share, boosted by improving nuclear imaging infrastructure in urban centers.
Middle East & Africa
The Middle East & Africa region accounts for 9% of the global market, reflecting gradual adoption due to infrastructure limitations. Oncology and thyroid disorders remain major applications, representing nearly 55% of procedures. Despite challenges, investments in advanced hospitals are driving uptake. Middle East & Africa accounted for USD 1.22 Billion in 2025, representing 9% share, showing consistent development in nuclear medicine across leading economies.
Middle East & Africa - Major Dominant Countries in the Nuclear Medicine Market
- Saudi Arabia led with USD 0.44 Billion in 2025, 36% share, supported by government-backed hospital investments and growing imaging demand.
- South Africa accounted for USD 0.39 Billion in 2025, 32% share, growing with improved oncology treatment centers.
- United Arab Emirates reached USD 0.28 Billion in 2025, 23% share, fueled by rapid expansion of private healthcare providers.
List of Key Nuclear Medicine Market Companies Profiled
- PharmaLogic
- GE Healthcare
- Eczacýbaþý-Monrol Nuclear Products
- NTP Radioisotopes
- Sinotau Pharmaceuticals
- NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes
- Isotopia Molecular Imaging Limited
- SHINE Medical Technologies
- JSC Isotope
- Advanced Accelerator Applications
- Institute of Isotopes Co., Ltd
- Nordion
- Bayer AG
- Bracco Imaging
- Eckert & Ziegler
- Jubilant DraxImage
- Cardinal Health
- Lantheus Medical Imaging
- Curium
- Global Medical Solutions
Top Companies with Highest Market Share
- GE Healthcare: leading the market with around 16% share, supported by its strong PET and SPECT imaging portfolio worldwide.
- Curium: holding nearly 14% share, dominating in radiopharmaceutical production for diagnostics across Europe and North America.
Investment Analysis and Opportunities
The nuclear medicine market is opening significant opportunities with diagnostics holding nearly 71% share of utilization and therapeutics contributing about 29%. Oncology-related nuclear medicine represents over 40% of global demand, while cardiology applications account for around 21%. Investment focus is shifting toward targeted radiopharmaceuticals, with alpha emitters showing adoption growth of 13% annually compared to other segments. Around 35% of emerging market growth is driven by government-backed healthcare expansions. Nearly 42% of funding is directed toward PET and SPECT development projects, reflecting high demand in advanced diagnostic imaging and personalized treatment strategies.
New Products Development
Innovation in nuclear medicine is accelerating, with more than 45% of new product launches focused on precision oncology. PET tracer developments account for nearly 32% of new approvals, while targeted alpha therapy products represent 18% of pipelines. Over 25% of companies are prioritizing theranostic combinations, creating dual diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. Around 30% of research initiatives target neurological disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, where imaging needs are rapidly rising. These efforts highlight a clear industry shift towards disease-specific products that deliver better accuracy and improved patient outcomes.
Recent Developments
- GE Healthcare expansion: GE launched advanced SPECT tracers, improving diagnostic precision by 18%, strengthening its global diagnostic share in 2024 with widespread hospital adoption.
- Curium acquisitions: Curium expanded by acquiring new radiopharmaceutical manufacturing sites, boosting production by 22% to meet Europe’s growing diagnostic demand in 2024.
- Bayer’s alpha therapy trials: Bayer advanced its alpha-emitter pipeline, reporting trial success rates above 70% in targeted cancer treatments, accelerating its therapeutic focus in 2024.
- NorthStar Medical innovation: NorthStar improved isotope production capacity by 28%, reducing shortages and ensuring stable supply across North America in 2024.
- SHINE Medical progress: SHINE expanded molybdenum-99 supply chain capacity, covering 35% more diagnostic imaging centers in 2024, strengthening its role in isotope distribution.
Report Coverage
The report on the nuclear medicine market provides a comprehensive SWOT analysis highlighting internal strengths and external challenges. Strengths include advanced imaging technologies that account for more than 70% of diagnostic usage, coupled with rising therapeutic demand that contributes nearly 30% of the market. Opportunities are found in alpha emitters and theranostic solutions, where growth potential exceeds 13% share expansion. Weaknesses remain evident in infrastructure, as less than 32% of hospitals in emerging regions are equipped with PET or SPECT facilities. Supply chain inefficiencies result in 38% wastage of isotopes due to short half-life limitations. Threats include regulatory delays, with over 40% of market slowdowns linked to approval processes. The report also covers market segmentation by type and application, giving detailed insights into oncology, cardiology, neurology, and thyroid segments. Regional outlook analysis shows North America leading with 41% share, Europe with 28%, Asia-Pacific with 22%, and Middle East & Africa with 9%, collectively representing the entire global market share. The coverage provides investors, policymakers, and stakeholders with a clear framework of opportunities and barriers for long-term planning.
| Report Coverage | Report Details |
|---|---|
|
By Applications Covered |
Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology, Thyroid, Lymphoma, Bone Metastasis, Endocrine Tumor, Others |
|
By Type Covered |
Brachytherapy, SPECT, PET, Alpha Emitters, Beta Emitters |
|
No. of Pages Covered |
109 |
|
Forecast Period Covered |
2025 to 2034 |
|
Growth Rate Covered |
CAGR of 10.39% during the forecast period |
|
Value Projection Covered |
USD 32.91 Billion by 2034 |
|
Historical Data Available for |
2020 to 2023 |
|
Region Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East, Africa |
|
Countries Covered |
U.S. ,Canada, Germany,U.K.,France, Japan , China , India, South Africa , Brazil |
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