This Frost & Sullivan research service titled U.S. PET and PET-CT Imaging Equipment Markets provides an overview of the competitive structure, market share analysis, and revenues in the stand-alone positron emission tomography (PET) and PET-computed tomography (CT) scanner markets along with a complete analysis of key market drivers, restraints, and trends that are impacting the molecular medicine industry.

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Market Overview

U.S. PET and PET-CT Imaging Equipment Markets Rebound with Introduction of Novel Radiopharmaceutical Agents and Expanded FDG Coverage

The PET and PET-CT markets witnessed a significant drop in revenues and unit shipment during 2006-2007, recoiling from the impact of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA). However, the markets recovered in 2008, stabilizing and registering a modest single digit growth rate. The market is technology-driven with add-on concepts continuing to determine the success quotient. Time-of-flight imaging has emerged ahead of the pack as the future of next generation imaging. Add-on technologies will drive increased uptake and procedure volume of PET-CT. The expansion of PET-CT into radiation treatment planning and therapeutic validation will trigger the sales of new equipment. "Technology is ready for futuristic healthcare; radiopharmaceuticals, however, continues to mature with little innovation seen in the industry," notes the analyst of this research service. "Significant growth is expected, nonetheless, with investments flooding into this area as radiotherapeutics and neurological diagnostic agents generate more buzz."

PET-CT has gained traction in the radiotherapy planning market and played a significant role in validating the effectiveness of radiotherapy treatment. It has proven immensely useful in a variety of channels encompassing breast cancer staging/management, and myocardial viability tests. Novel radiopharmaceutical agents developed for these emerging segments will drive PET-CT penetration in non-oncolologic applications and pave the way for additional revenue channels for both imaging providers and manufacturers. Apart from these factors, the expected expansion of Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) coverage into all oncologic indications will help the PET-CT market grow at a higher-than-expected growth. In spite of the launch of innovative technologies, regulatory hurdles and an inefficient approval process have remained major roadblocks for the implementation of new radiopharmaceuticals.

Efficiency and Cost-effectiveness Enable Deeper Penetration of PET and PET-CT

PET-CT can address growing public concern over the rising costs of healthcare. "Novel solid-state materials and other enabling technologies will act as springboards for delivering superior oncology imaging techniques," says the analyst. "Rapid innovation in two key market segments, radiotherapy planning and PET-magnetic resonance (MR) will enable physicians to deliver personalized medicine with greater efficiency and effectiveness than previously possible, leading to significant improvements in patient management and overall patient outcomes." Further, PET-CT continues to augment radiotherapy planning, particularly in validating therapy effectiveness in both existing and novel radiotherapy methods. As a result, physicians are now able to demonstrate and/or improve the cost-effectiveness of radiotherapy, ultimately resulting in a more efficient healthcare system.

As the technology gains widespread acceptance, PET-CT manufacturers must undertake total cost of ownership studies with early adopters, demonstrating the utility and cost-effectiveness of the technology. Manufacturers can utilize this data to proactively market productivity gains and cost savings to ensure that upgrade rates from stand-alone PET to PET-CT multiply. By 2010, positron emission mammography (PEM) and cardiac PET will entirely replace general-purpose stand-alone systems, ensuring positive growth in 2011.

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

• PET and PET-CT
• FDG
• Diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

• Stand-alone PET scanner
• Fixed PET-CT scanner
• Mobile PET-CT scanner
• FDG
• Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals (cardiology, neurology, oncology)
• Radiotherapeutics
• Alphaimmunotherapy

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