PET Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (PET-CT, PET-MRI, Other), By Applications (Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology, Other) , and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2034

PET Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market Size

The Global PET Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market size was USD 1.96 billion in 2024 and is projected to touch USD 2.08 billion in 2025, USD 2.2 billion in 2026, and further reach USD 3.51 billion by 2034, exhibiting a growth rate of 6% during the forecast period 2025–2034. Oncology accounts for more than 65% of the demand, neurology nearly 28%, and cardiology around 42% adoption in advanced diagnostic procedures, making the market highly diversified across applications.

The US PET Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market demonstrates robust growth, contributing more than 68% of the North American market share in 2025. Oncology diagnostics represent 52% of PET procedures, cardiology accounts for 31%, while neurology covers 17%. Around 45% of hospitals in the country are expanding PET-CT infrastructure, and nearly 36% of research institutions are prioritizing advanced PET tracers for neurological disease detection, highlighting the rapid evolution of the US market.

Key Findings

• Market Size: The market reached USD 1.96 billion in 2024, USD 2.08 billion in 2025, and is expected to touch USD 3.51 billion by 2034 with 6% growth.
• Growth Drivers: Over 65% adoption in oncology, 42% usage in cardiology, and 36% demand in neurology drive consistent market growth globally.
• Trends: Around 70% PET-CT usage, 26% PET-MRI adoption, and 33% tracer investments define market expansion across developed and emerging regions.
• Key Players: GE, Siemens Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Canon Medical Systems, Hitachi & more.
• Regional Insights: North America leads with 38% share driven by oncology and cardiology dominance. Europe holds 29% with strong neurology adoption. Asia-Pacific captures 24% fueled by rapid healthcare expansion. Middle East & Africa contributes 9% with rising investment in diagnostic infrastructure. Together, these regions represent 100% global market share.
• Challenges: Nearly 47% face tracer supply issues, 45% struggle with high costs, and 28% report skill shortages in PET operations.
• Industry Impact: Around 55% of hospitals upgrade imaging, 40% expand tracers, and 38% focus on neuroimaging investments globally.
• Recent Developments: Nearly 41% firms launched AI upgrades, 35% advanced PET-MRI, and 28% introduced new tracers in 2024.

The PET nuclear medicine imaging market is witnessing accelerated transformation with hybrid technologies, radiopharmaceutical innovation, and wider adoption across oncology, cardiology, and neurology. More than 70% of global demand comes from developed regions, while nearly 30% is fueled by emerging economies expanding healthcare infrastructure. Around 33% of diagnostic centers are investing in advanced tracers beyond FDG, and over 25% of hospitals are adopting AI-driven imaging software. Collectively, these advancements reflect the market’s strong trajectory toward precision diagnostics and global expansion.

PET Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market Trends

The PET nuclear medicine imaging market is witnessing significant transformation driven by growing clinical adoption and enhanced imaging capabilities. Over 65% of diagnostic centers are incorporating PET scans for oncology due to their higher sensitivity compared to conventional imaging methods. In cardiology, nearly 42% of diagnostic imaging applications are now adopting PET technology for improved myocardial perfusion studies. Neurology accounts for around 28% of the PET imaging demand, particularly for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease detection. Hybrid imaging modalities such as PET/CT and PET/MRI are gaining traction, with PET/CT capturing over 70% of the market share due to its accuracy in staging and monitoring disease progression. In addition, nearly 55% of hospitals in developed regions are upgrading their imaging infrastructure to support advanced PET applications. The demand for radiopharmaceuticals is also surging, with more than 60% of nuclear medicine centers reporting increased utilization of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) tracers. Furthermore, around 33% of facilities are investing in next-generation tracers beyond FDG to expand diagnostic accuracy in various therapeutic areas, indicating a strong upward trend in innovation and adoption.

PET Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market Dynamics

OPPORTUNITY

Expanding adoption in neurology

Around 36% of PET imaging applications are attributed to neurology, particularly for Alzheimer’s and dementia detection. Nearly 40% of hospitals are scaling up investments in PET-based brain imaging due to higher accuracy rates, while over 25% of diagnostic centers are already integrating advanced tracers for neuroimaging. This shift demonstrates strong opportunities for PET technology as neurological cases continue to rise, opening pathways for wider adoption in clinical practices worldwide.

DRIVERS

Rising demand for oncology diagnostics

Oncology dominates PET imaging usage, accounting for over 65% of global procedures. Around 52% of cancer care facilities depend on PET scans for precise tumor localization and staging, while nearly 48% of centers utilize PET/CT for treatment planning. Furthermore, more than 30% of hospitals are expanding infrastructure to meet growing oncology-related imaging demand. These factors highlight how oncology remains the strongest driver behind PET nuclear medicine imaging growth.

RESTRAINTS

"High dependency on radiopharmaceutical supply"

Approximately 47% of diagnostic facilities report scheduling delays due to the short half-life of isotopes, directly affecting patient flow. Around 40% of hospitals cite challenges in securing consistent tracer supply, especially across remote regions. Additionally, nearly 32% of clinics report higher operating costs associated with radiopharmaceutical storage and regulatory compliance. These constraints collectively limit smooth PET imaging operations, making supply dependency a major restraint for the market.

CHALLENGE

"Rising equipment and maintenance costs"

Nearly 45% of healthcare providers identify high PET equipment costs as a barrier to broader adoption. Around 38% of facilities report financial strain from recurring maintenance and calibration requirements. Furthermore, 28% of hospitals face skill gaps in training operators for advanced PET systems, which adds to operational inefficiencies. The combined impact of equipment investment, upkeep, and workforce challenges represents a critical hurdle for widespread PET imaging accessibility.

Segmentation Analysis

The Global PET Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market was valued at USD 1.96 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.08 Billion in 2025, with expectations to touch USD 3.51 Billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period. By type, PET-CT accounted for the largest share in 2025, followed by PET-MRI and other PET imaging systems. PET-CT held USD 1.25 Billion in 2025, representing 60% of the market, with a CAGR of 5.8%. PET-MRI reached USD 0.54 Billion in 2025, with a 26% share and a CAGR of 6.5%. Other PET imaging types contributed USD 0.29 Billion in 2025, holding 14% of the share with a CAGR of 6.2%. By application, oncology dominated with USD 1.14 Billion in 2025, capturing 55% of the market and a CAGR of 6.3%. Cardiology represented USD 0.46 Billion in 2025 with a 22% share, showing a CAGR of 5.7%. Neurology accounted for USD 0.36 Billion in 2025 with a 17% share and CAGR of 6.6%. Other applications contributed USD 0.12 Billion in 2025 with a 6% share, growing at a CAGR of 5.9%.

By Type

PET-CT

PET-CT remains the most widely adopted imaging modality, integrating positron emission tomography with computed tomography for superior diagnostic accuracy. Over 70% of diagnostic facilities prefer PET-CT for oncology, cardiology, and neurology applications due to its ability to provide both functional and anatomical details. Hospitals globally are increasingly upgrading infrastructure with PET-CT systems to strengthen disease staging and monitoring accuracy.

PET-CT held the largest share in the PET nuclear medicine imaging market, accounting for USD 1.25 Billion in 2025, representing 60% of the total market. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2025 to 2034, driven by rising oncology cases, expanding cardiology imaging, and technological advancements.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the PET-CT Segment

• United States led the PET-CT segment with a market size of USD 0.42 Billion in 2025, holding a 33% share and expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% due to advanced infrastructure and higher oncology prevalence.
• Germany followed with USD 0.26 Billion in 2025, holding a 21% share and projected CAGR of 5.7% owing to strong healthcare investment and PET tracer innovation.
• Japan accounted for USD 0.19 Billion in 2025, holding a 15% share and anticipated CAGR of 6.1% driven by rapid adoption of hybrid imaging in neurology.

PET-MRI

PET-MRI is gaining momentum for its enhanced soft tissue contrast and reduced radiation exposure, making it valuable for pediatric and neurological imaging. Around 28% of research institutes and specialized hospitals are adopting PET-MRI to support advanced cancer and neurodegenerative disease detection. Its adoption is particularly strong in developed markets with high-end infrastructure and research funding.

PET-MRI accounted for USD 0.54 Billion in 2025, representing 26% of the global market. This segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% between 2025 and 2034, fueled by rising demand in neurology, pediatric oncology, and technological advancements in hybrid imaging.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the PET-MRI Segment

• United States led the PET-MRI segment with a market size of USD 0.18 Billion in 2025, holding a 33% share and expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% due to high adoption in neurology research.
• United Kingdom reached USD 0.12 Billion in 2025, holding a 22% share and anticipated CAGR of 6.4% supported by government-backed healthcare initiatives.
• China accounted for USD 0.09 Billion in 2025, holding a 17% share and growing at a CAGR of 6.8% driven by rapid healthcare infrastructure expansion.

Other PET Imaging Types

Other PET imaging systems, including portable and compact devices, are emerging as cost-effective solutions for smaller clinics and rural healthcare centers. Adoption is increasing in markets with limited access to high-end PET-CT or PET-MRI systems, providing essential diagnostic imaging in developing regions. Around 15% of facilities in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are adopting alternative PET systems.

Other PET imaging types generated USD 0.29 Billion in 2025, accounting for 14% of the total market share. This segment is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.2% during 2025–2034, supported by affordability, accessibility in remote healthcare facilities, and growing demand for portable imaging systems.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Other PET Imaging Segment

• India led with a market size of USD 0.11 Billion in 2025, holding a 38% share and projected CAGR of 6.4% due to rising demand in rural healthcare centers.
• Brazil accounted for USD 0.09 Billion in 2025, representing 31% share and anticipated CAGR of 6.1% fueled by growing adoption in mid-tier hospitals.
• South Korea held USD 0.05 Billion in 2025, making up 17% share and expected CAGR of 6.3% with increased investment in portable imaging technology.

By Application

Oncology

Oncology is the most dominant application of PET imaging, accounting for over 65% of global procedures. PET imaging provides superior accuracy in cancer detection, staging, and monitoring therapy response. Its widespread adoption has made it the gold standard for oncology diagnostics worldwide.

Oncology held the largest share in the PET nuclear medicine imaging market, accounting for USD 1.14 Billion in 2025, representing 55% of the total market. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2025 to 2034, driven by rising cancer prevalence, early screening initiatives, and advanced hybrid imaging modalities.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Oncology Segment

• United States led the oncology segment with a market size of USD 0.39 Billion in 2025, holding a 34% share and expected CAGR of 6.4% due to high cancer incidence and adoption of PET/CT.
• Germany followed with USD 0.22 Billion in 2025, holding a 19% share and projected CAGR of 6.2% owing to advancements in cancer screening programs.
• Japan accounted for USD 0.15 Billion in 2025, representing 13% share and anticipated CAGR of 6.5% driven by technological innovation in tracer development.

Cardiology

Cardiology represents a growing application area for PET imaging, especially in myocardial perfusion and ischemia detection. Around 42% of cardiology diagnostic procedures in advanced hospitals are now utilizing PET imaging for improved patient outcomes. Adoption is growing as clinicians prefer PET for its higher diagnostic sensitivity.

Cardiology reached USD 0.46 Billion in 2025, holding a 22% share of the global market. This segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during 2025–2034, supported by increasing cardiovascular disease burden, hospital adoption, and preference for precision imaging.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Cardiology Segment

• United States led cardiology PET imaging with USD 0.17 Billion in 2025, representing 37% share and CAGR of 5.8% supported by strong infrastructure.
• France accounted for USD 0.11 Billion in 2025, representing 24% share and anticipated CAGR of 5.6% due to government-led cardiology programs.
• China contributed USD 0.08 Billion in 2025, holding 17% share and CAGR of 5.9% owing to rising cardiovascular disease rates.

Neurology

Neurology is one of the fastest-growing PET applications, especially for dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease detection. Around 36% of PET scans in neurology are focused on Alzheimer’s diagnostics, with significant adoption growth seen in developed healthcare markets. PET imaging plays a critical role in early neurodegenerative disease management.

Neurology accounted for USD 0.36 Billion in 2025, representing 17% of the global market share. This segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2025 to 2034, driven by rising neurological disease prevalence, early screening programs, and research-based adoption.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Neurology Segment

• United States led the neurology PET imaging market with USD 0.13 Billion in 2025, holding 36% share and projected CAGR of 6.7% due to advanced dementia care programs.
• United Kingdom accounted for USD 0.09 Billion in 2025, representing 25% share and CAGR of 6.5% with strong investments in neuroimaging research.
• Japan represented USD 0.07 Billion in 2025, holding 20% share and CAGR of 6.8% owing to high adoption in Alzheimer’s detection.

Other Applications

Other applications include infectious disease imaging, pediatric applications, and emerging metabolic studies. Around 12% of PET scans globally fall under this category, showing growing interest in extending PET imaging beyond conventional uses. These applications are increasingly explored in academic research and specialized clinics.

Other applications generated USD 0.12 Billion in 2025, holding a 6% market share. This segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% between 2025 and 2034, supported by innovation in tracers and the expansion of research-based diagnostic imaging.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Other Applications Segment

• India led other applications with USD 0.04 Billion in 2025, holding a 33% share and expected CAGR of 6% due to wider adoption in infectious disease imaging.
• Brazil followed with USD 0.03 Billion in 2025, representing 25% share and CAGR of 5.8% supported by pediatric imaging adoption.
• South Korea accounted for USD 0.02 Billion in 2025, holding 17% share and CAGR of 6.1% driven by increasing research-based PET applications.

PET Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market Regional Outlook

The Global PET Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market, valued at USD 1.96 Billion in 2024, is expected to reach USD 2.08 Billion in 2025 and USD 3.51 Billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 6% from 2025 to 2034. Regional distribution highlights a diversified growth pattern across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates with a 38% market share in 2025 due to advanced healthcare infrastructure and strong adoption rates. Europe follows with 29%, reflecting strong demand for oncology and neurology imaging. Asia-Pacific holds 24%, driven by expanding healthcare access and rising prevalence of chronic diseases. Middle East & Africa contributes 9% of the total market, with increasing adoption supported by healthcare modernization efforts and government-backed initiatives. Collectively, these four regions account for 100% of the global market share.

North America

North America leads the global PET nuclear medicine imaging market with the highest adoption rate across oncology, cardiology, and neurology applications. Over 65% of cancer diagnostics in the region involve PET-CT technology, and nearly 48% of facilities utilize PET imaging for cardiology studies. The region’s advanced research base and investment in hybrid imaging technologies further fuel demand. Rising neurological cases, particularly Alzheimer’s, are also strengthening the use of PET imaging across specialized hospitals and clinics in the U.S. and Canada.

North America held the largest share in the PET nuclear medicine imaging market, accounting for USD 0.79 Billion in 2025, representing 38% of the total market. This segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6% from 2025 to 2034, driven by cancer screening programs, cardiovascular diagnostics, and next-generation tracer development.

North America - Major Dominant Countries in the Market

• United States led North America with a market size of USD 0.54 Billion in 2025, holding a 68% share and expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% due to high oncology prevalence and advanced infrastructure.
• Canada accounted for USD 0.16 Billion in 2025, holding a 20% share and projected CAGR of 5.9% supported by healthcare investments in PET/CT expansion.
• Mexico held USD 0.09 Billion in 2025, representing 12% share and anticipated CAGR of 6.2% with increasing adoption in urban hospitals.

Europe

Europe ranks second in the PET nuclear medicine imaging market, with strong emphasis on oncology and neurological disease diagnostics. Nearly 58% of PET imaging procedures are linked to cancer detection and monitoring, while neurology accounts for 30% due to rising dementia prevalence. The region also demonstrates significant growth in PET-MRI adoption, particularly in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, where hybrid imaging technology is rapidly evolving. Increasing government support for early disease detection programs enhances adoption across Europe.

Europe accounted for USD 0.60 Billion in 2025, representing 29% of the global PET nuclear medicine imaging market. This segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% from 2025 to 2034, driven by cancer care expansion, neurology-focused imaging, and advanced tracer research.

Europe - Major Dominant Countries in the Market

• Germany led Europe with USD 0.21 Billion in 2025, holding a 35% share and expected CAGR of 6.1% due to high PET-MRI adoption and oncology demand.
• France accounted for USD 0.18 Billion in 2025, representing 30% share and projected CAGR of 6% with strong cardiology imaging integration.
• United Kingdom held USD 0.13 Billion in 2025, representing 22% share and anticipated CAGR of 6.2% supported by investments in dementia and Alzheimer’s detection.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region for PET nuclear medicine imaging, supported by improving healthcare infrastructure and rising disease prevalence. Oncology dominates PET procedures in the region, making up over 62% of the demand, while cardiology and neurology account for 22% and 14%, respectively. Rapid technological adoption in China, Japan, and India is boosting growth, alongside government investments in advanced imaging centers. Academic research in neurodegenerative disorders is also fueling higher PET imaging adoption in this region.

Asia-Pacific contributed USD 0.50 Billion in 2025, representing 24% of the total market. This region is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2025 to 2034, driven by higher oncology incidence, healthcare access expansion, and rising neurological disease screening programs.

Asia-Pacific - Major Dominant Countries in the Market

• China led the region with USD 0.20 Billion in 2025, holding 40% share and projected CAGR of 6.4% due to growing oncology prevalence and infrastructure expansion.
• Japan accounted for USD 0.16 Billion in 2025, representing 32% share and expected CAGR of 6.3% with strong PET tracer innovation.
• India held USD 0.10 Billion in 2025, holding a 20% share and anticipated CAGR of 6.5% supported by rapid PET adoption in oncology and neurology.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa represents a growing but relatively smaller share of the PET nuclear medicine imaging market. Demand is expanding as healthcare modernization and government programs increase access to diagnostic imaging. Oncology remains the leading application, comprising nearly 59% of PET procedures in the region, followed by cardiology at 25% and neurology at 11%. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, and South Africa are investing heavily in PET imaging infrastructure to strengthen early disease detection and treatment planning.

Middle East & Africa accounted for USD 0.19 Billion in 2025, representing 9% of the global PET nuclear medicine imaging market. This region is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2034, supported by government healthcare investments, cancer screening initiatives, and rising cardiovascular diagnostics.

Middle East & Africa - Major Dominant Countries in the Market

• Saudi Arabia led the region with USD 0.07 Billion in 2025, holding 37% share and projected CAGR of 6.2% due to healthcare infrastructure upgrades and oncology screening programs.
• United Arab Emirates accounted for USD 0.06 Billion in 2025, representing 31% share and anticipated CAGR of 6.1% with advanced hospital investments in PET-CT systems.
• South Africa held USD 0.04 Billion in 2025, representing 21% share and expected CAGR of 6% driven by cardiology and neurology adoption in urban centers.

List of Key PET Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market Companies Profiled

Investment Analysis and Opportunities in PET Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market

Investment opportunities in the PET nuclear medicine imaging market are expanding rapidly with technology integration and rising healthcare demand. More than 45% of hospitals globally are increasing budgets for hybrid PET-CT systems, while 33% are focusing on PET-MRI integration to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Around 52% of new imaging investments in oncology departments are being directed toward PET solutions due to higher sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional modalities. Additionally, 40% of private healthcare investors are allocating resources toward radiopharmaceutical production, recognizing the growing demand for advanced tracers. Opportunities also arise from 30% of diagnostic centers in emerging markets upgrading infrastructure, aiming to provide wider access to PET technology. With nearly 38% of research institutions prioritizing neuroimaging programs, investment in PET imaging solutions is expected to support strong innovation and clinical expansion across applications.

New Products Development

Product development in the PET nuclear medicine imaging market is advancing through innovation in hybrid imaging, tracers, and software integration. Around 41% of manufacturers are launching upgraded PET-CT scanners with faster acquisition times and reduced radiation doses. Nearly 35% of companies are developing next-generation PET-MRI systems to strengthen neurology applications. Radiopharmaceutical innovation is accelerating, with more than 28% of newly approved tracers designed for oncology and brain imaging. Additionally, 32% of developers are focusing on AI-based image reconstruction software to improve clarity and interpretation accuracy. Around 25% of companies are exploring portable and compact PET devices to expand accessibility in smaller clinics and emerging regions. These developments reflect a clear trend toward personalization, efficiency, and wider adoption of PET imaging worldwide.

Recent Developments

• GE – AI-Powered PET Imaging: In 2024, GE introduced an AI-based reconstruction software that improved image clarity by 28%, enhancing diagnostic outcomes across oncology and neurology applications.
• Siemens Healthcare – Next-Gen PET-CT Launch: Siemens launched a high-resolution PET-CT scanner in 2024, reducing scan times by 22% while improving detection rates for oncology patients across major hospitals.
• Philips Healthcare – Digital PET Expansion: Philips expanded its digital PET imaging portfolio in 2024, achieving 30% higher accuracy in cardiology diagnostics and increasing adoption in Europe and Asia.
• Canon Medical Systems – Portable PET Innovation: Canon unveiled a compact PET scanner in 2024, enabling 35% more access to advanced imaging in rural and underserved healthcare facilities worldwide.
• United Imaging – Advanced Tracer Development: United Imaging developed a new tracer in 2024, improving early-stage detection of neurological disorders by 26%, strengthening its market presence in Asia-Pacific.

Report Coverage

The PET nuclear medicine imaging market report provides comprehensive coverage of the industry landscape, including market trends, opportunities, competitive dynamics, and SWOT analysis. Strengths of the market include high adoption rates in oncology, with over 65% of PET procedures globally focused on cancer diagnostics, and significant technological innovation in hybrid imaging systems where PET-CT dominates with 60% share. Weaknesses include reliance on radiopharmaceutical supply, as 47% of diagnostic centers report logistical delays, and high equipment costs with 45% of hospitals citing affordability challenges. Opportunities are abundant, particularly in neurology where demand is rising, contributing to 36% of global PET scans, and in emerging markets where nearly 30% of new investments are being directed. Threats include rising competition among manufacturers and limited skilled workforce, with 28% of hospitals reporting operator training gaps. The report also evaluates regional outlooks, where North America leads with 38% share, Europe follows with 29%, Asia-Pacific holds 24%, and Middle East & Africa contributes 9%. Competitive profiling highlights key players driving innovation, with GE and Siemens together accounting for more than 52% market share in 2025. This coverage ensures stakeholders gain actionable insights for strategic decision-making.