Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Radionuclide Type;
Alpha Emitters, Beta Emitters, and Brachytherapy.By Indication;
Thyroid Disorders, Cancer, Blood Disorders, Bone Pain Treatment, and Others.By End-Use;
Hospitals, Ambulatory Centers, Cancer Centers, and Others.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market was valued at USD 5,853.74 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 8,743.90 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.9%.
The global therapeutic nuclear medicine market encompasses the use of radiopharmaceuticals for targeted radionuclide therapy, a specialized form of treatment increasingly employed in oncology and other medical fields. Therapeutic nuclear medicine involves the administration of radiopharmaceuticals containing radioactive isotopes to selectively target and destroy cancerous cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This precision approach to cancer therapy offers significant advantages over traditional treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and external beam radiation therapy, by delivering targeted doses of radiation directly to tumors, thereby maximizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing systemic side effects.
In recent years, the global therapeutic nuclear medicine market has witnessed substantial growth driven by factors such as advancements in radiopharmaceutical development, increasing prevalence of cancer and other diseases, and growing adoption of personalized medicine approaches. Pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and healthcare providers are investing in the development and commercialization of innovative radiopharmaceuticals, expanding the therapeutic options available to patients with various types of cancer and other conditions amenable to targeted radionuclide therapy. Additionally, regulatory approvals, reimbursement support, and technological advancements in nuclear imaging and therapy equipment have further fueled market expansion, facilitating the widespread adoption of therapeutic nuclear medicine techniques in clinical practice.
Looking ahead, the global therapeutic nuclear medicine market is poised for continued growth and innovation as the field of nuclear medicine evolves and expands. Emerging trends such as the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals, advancements in molecular imaging techniques, and the integration of theranostics approaches are reshaping the landscape of therapeutic nuclear medicine, offering new opportunities for precision medicine and personalized treatment strategies. With ongoing research and investment in nuclear medicine technologies, the therapeutic nuclear medicine market is expected to play an increasingly prominent role in cancer care and disease management, driving improvements in patient outcomes and quality of life worldwide.
Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market Recent Developments
-
In January 2024, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center collaborated with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to create an IAEA Collaborating Centre. This partnership aims to enhance global radiation oncology, radiation physics, radiology, nuclear medicine, and nutrition, with a strong emphasis on improving healthcare.
-
Novel nuclear medicines have seen greater demand among patients and physicians, enabling pharmaceutical manufacturers to develop more efficient treatments.
Segment Analysis
The Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market has been segmented by Radionuclide Type, Indication, End-Use and Geography, Radionuclide Type into Alpha Emitters, Beta Emitters, and Auger Electrons. Alpha emitters, such as radium-223 and actinium-227, are used in targeted alpha therapy (TAT) for cancers, especially prostate cancer and certain types of lymphoma, as they deliver high-energy radiation to tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Beta emitters, including iodine-131 and lutetium-177, are the most widely used in therapeutic nuclear medicine. These radionuclides are used to treat various cancers, including thyroid cancer and neuroendocrine tumors, through targeted radiation therapy. Auger electrons are a newer type of radionuclide therapy that is under investigation, offering potential for more precise treatment of small tumors and certain genetic disorders by releasing low-energy radiation at a cellular level, making them ideal for treating microscopic cancerous cells or localized disease.
By Indication, the market is divided into Cancer, Thyroid Disorders, Bone Pain Palliation, and Other Indications. Cancer is the largest segment, where therapeutic nuclear medicine is extensively used for the treatment of various cancers, including thyroid cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, and prostate cancer. Iodine-131, a common beta emitter, is widely used for thyroid cancer treatment, while Lutetium-177 is gaining traction for treating neuroendocrine tumors. Bone pain palliation is another significant indication, where radionuclide therapy, like strontium-89 or samarium-153, is used to relieve pain in patients with bone metastases, primarily in prostate and breast cancer. Other indications include the use of radionuclides for certain autoimmune conditions or as part of targeted therapy for rare diseases, though these applications are still emerging and represent a smaller share of the market.
The End-Use segment includes Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, Research Institutions, and Specialized Cancer Treatment Centers. Hospitals dominate the therapeutic nuclear medicine market, as they are equipped with the necessary infrastructure and expertise to administer radionuclide therapies. Hospitals treat a wide range of patients, from those undergoing palliative care for cancer to those receiving targeted treatments for thyroid or neuroendocrine cancers. Diagnostic centers also play a role, as they often provide initial diagnosis using nuclear imaging techniques and refer patients for therapeutic treatment. Research institutions contribute to the growth of the market by developing new radionuclide therapies and expanding the clinical applications of nuclear medicine. Specialized cancer treatment centers, which focus on advanced cancer therapies, are increasingly adopting nuclear medicine therapies as part of personalized treatment plans. Geographically, North America leads the market, driven by high healthcare spending, advanced medical facilities, and strong adoption of nuclear medicine treatments. Europe follows with a solid market share, thanks to well-established healthcare systems and increasing cancer treatment options. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience the fastest growth, driven by increasing healthcare access, growing cancer incidences, and expanding nuclear medicine research and treatment capabilities.
Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market has been segmented by Radionuclide Type, Indication, End-Use and Geography.
Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market, Segmentation by Radionuclide Type
The Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market has been segmented by Radionuclide Type into Alpha Emitters, Beta Emitters and Brachytherapy.
The global therapeutic nuclear medicine market can be segmented by radionuclide type into various categories, each playing a crucial role in targeted radionuclide therapy for different medical conditions. One of the primary radionuclides used in therapeutic nuclear medicine is iodine-131 (^131I), which is commonly employed in the treatment of thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism and differentiated thyroid cancer. This radionuclide emits beta radiation, which selectively targets thyroid tissue, thereby facilitating the destruction of thyroid cells or cancerous lesions.
Another important radionuclide in therapeutic nuclear medicine is lutetium-177 (^177Lu), which is utilized in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and prostate cancer metastases to bone. ^177Lu emits beta radiation and is often conjugated with targeting molecules, such as peptides or antibodies, to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This targeted approach offers potential benefits in terms of treatment efficacy and reduced side effects compared to conventional therapies.
Radium-223 (^223Ra) is utilized in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with bone metastases. ^223Ra emits alpha radiation, which has a short range and high linear energy transfer, making it highly effective in killing cancer cells within bone metastases while sparing adjacent normal tissues. The segmentation of the therapeutic nuclear medicine market by radionuclide type reflects the diverse applications and therapeutic modalities available within the field, offering tailored treatment options for patients with various types of cancer and other medical conditions amenable to targeted radionuclide therapy.
Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market, Segmentation by Indication
The Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market has been segmented by Indication into Thyroid Disorders, Cancer, Blood Disorders, Bone Pain Treatment and Others.
The global therapeutic nuclear medicine market can be segmented by indication into various categories, reflecting the diverse range of medical conditions that can be treated using targeted radionuclide therapy. One significant indication within this market is oncology, encompassing a broad spectrum of cancer types, including solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Therapeutic nuclear medicine plays a crucial role in oncology by offering targeted treatment options that selectively deliver radiation to cancer cells, thereby minimizing damage to healthy tissues and reducing systemic side effects. Radionuclides such as lutetium-177 (^177Lu), iodine-131 (^131I), and radium-223 (^223Ra) are commonly used in the treatment of various cancers, including neuroendocrine tumors, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, and bone metastases.
Neurological disorders represent another important indication segment within the therapeutic nuclear medicine market. Conditions such as neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and meningiomas may benefit from targeted radionuclide therapy, which aims to selectively destroy abnormal cells within the nervous system while preserving healthy tissue function. Radiopharmaceuticals conjugated with targeting molecules, such as peptides or antibodies, offer a precision approach to treating neurological disorders, with potential benefits in terms of disease control and symptom management.
Therapeutic nuclear medicine is utilized in the treatment of various non-oncological indications, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and benign thyroid conditions. For example, radionuclide therapies targeting overactive thyroid glands in conditions like hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease can help regulate hormone levels and alleviate symptoms. Additionally, targeted radionuclide therapy may be employed in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and other autoimmune disorders, where abnormal immune responses contribute to disease pathology. The segmentation of the therapeutic nuclear medicine market by indication reflects the wide-ranging applications of targeted radionuclide therapy across different medical specialties, offering personalized treatment options for patients with diverse healthcare needs.
Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market, Segmentation by End-Use
The Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market has been segmented by End-Use into Hospitals, Ambulatory Centers, Cancer Centers and Others.
The global therapeutic nuclear medicine market can be segmented by end-use into hospitals, specialty clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers. Hospitals represent the largest end-user segment within the therapeutic nuclear medicine market, owing to their role as primary healthcare facilities equipped to provide comprehensive medical services, including diagnostic imaging and therapeutic interventions. Hospitals typically house specialized nuclear medicine departments or centers equipped with advanced imaging equipment and facilities for administering therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. This infrastructure enables hospitals to offer a wide range of nuclear medicine procedures and treatments to patients with various medical conditions, thereby driving substantial demand for therapeutic nuclear medicine products and services.
Specialty clinics play a crucial role in the therapeutic nuclear medicine market by providing focused, specialized care for patients requiring nuclear medicine procedures or targeted radionuclide therapy. These clinics may specialize in specific medical disciplines, such as oncology, neurology, or cardiology, and offer advanced imaging and treatment modalities tailored to the needs of their patient population. Specialty clinics often collaborate with hospitals and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive disease management strategies that incorporate nuclear medicine techniques into multidisciplinary treatment plans, thereby optimizing patient outcomes and quality of care.
Ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) are emerging as an important end-user segment within the therapeutic nuclear medicine market, particularly for outpatient procedures and minimally invasive interventions. ASCs offer a convenient, cost-effective alternative to traditional hospital-based settings for certain nuclear medicine procedures, such as radiopharmaceutical administrations and targeted radionuclide therapies. By providing specialized nuclear medicine services in an ambulatory setting, ASCs can enhance patient access to nuclear medicine treatments, reduce wait times, and streamline healthcare delivery, thereby contributing to the growth and expansion of the therapeutic nuclear medicine market.
Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
In the preceding year, the global therapeutic nuclear medicine market exhibited significant regional variations in market share, reflecting diverse healthcare infrastructures, disease burdens, and adoption rates of nuclear medicine technologies across different geographical regions. North America and Europe collectively held substantial portions of the market share, driven by established healthcare systems, higher prevalence of cancer, and greater utilization of nuclear medicine procedures. These regions are also characterized by robust reimbursement policies, extensive research and development activities, and a strong presence of key market players, contributing to their significant market shares in therapeutic nuclear medicine.
Asia Pacific emerged as a rapidly growing region in the therapeutic nuclear medicine market, fueled by factors such as increasing healthcare expenditure, rising incidence of cancer, and growing adoption of advanced medical technologies. Countries in Asia Pacific, including China, India, Japan, and South Korea, are witnessing a surge in demand for nuclear medicine procedures, driven by the escalating burden of cancer and other diseases amenable to nuclear medicine interventions. Moreover, governmental initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure, enhance disease awareness, and expand access to medical services are further propelling market growth in the region, contributing to its rising market share in the global therapeutic nuclear medicine market.
Latin America and the Middle East & Africa regions also held notable but comparatively smaller market shares in the global therapeutic nuclear medicine market. These regions face challenges such as limited healthcare access, inadequate infrastructure, and socioeconomic disparities, which may hinder widespread adoption of nuclear medicine technologies. However, efforts to improve healthcare systems, increase disease awareness, and enhance affordability and accessibility of medical treatments are gradually addressing these challenges, paving the way for market growth in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa regions.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Increasing Incidence of Cancer
- Technological Advancements in Radiopharmaceutical Development
- Growing Demand for Personalized Medicine
- Rising Investments in Nuclear Medicine Research
-
Expanding Applications in Oncology and Neurology- Expanding applications in oncology and neurology represent a significant growth trajectory within the global therapeutic nuclear medicine market. In oncology, targeted radionuclide therapy has emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of various cancers, including solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Radiopharmaceuticals labeled with specific isotopes selectively accumulate in tumor cells, delivering localized radiation therapy that targets cancerous tissue while sparing healthy cells. This precision approach offers advantages over conventional treatments like chemotherapy and external beam radiation therapy, with potential benefits such as improved tumor response rates, reduced treatment-related toxicities, and enhanced patient outcomes.
Therapeutic nuclear medicine is gaining traction in the field of neurology, where it holds promise for the management of neurodegenerative disorders, brain tumors, and other neurological conditions. Radiopharmaceuticals targeting specific receptors or molecules involved in neurological diseases can be used for imaging and therapy, offering insights into disease pathology and facilitating targeted interventions. For instance, in neuroendocrine tumors and glioblastoma multiforme, targeted radionuclide therapy aims to deliver radiation directly to tumor cells, potentially slowing disease progression and improving patient quality of life. As research continues to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological disorders, the expansion of therapeutic nuclear medicine applications in neurology holds significant potential for advancing disease management strategies and improving patient outcomes.
Restraints
- Regulatory Hurdles and Approval Delays
- High Cost of Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Procedures
- Limited Access to Specialized Nuclear Medicine Facilities
- Concerns About Radiation Exposure and Safety
-
Shortage of Trained Nuclear Medicine Professionals- The shortage of trained nuclear medicine professionals represents a significant challenge within the global therapeutic nuclear medicine market, potentially limiting the availability and delivery of nuclear medicine services and treatments. Nuclear medicine encompasses a specialized field that requires expertise in areas such as radiopharmaceutical production, imaging techniques, radiation safety, and patient care. However, there is a growing disparity between the demand for nuclear medicine services and the availability of skilled professionals, including nuclear medicine physicians, radiopharmacists, technologists, and medical physicists. This shortage is attributed to factors such as limited educational programs and training opportunities, aging demographics of the nuclear medicine workforce, and competition from other medical specialties.
The shortage of trained nuclear medicine professionals poses implications for the scalability and sustainability of nuclear medicine programs and services, particularly in regions experiencing rapid growth in demand for nuclear medicine procedures. Healthcare institutions and facilities may face challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, leading to workforce shortages and potential disruptions in service delivery. Additionally, the shortage of trained professionals may hinder the development and implementation of innovative nuclear medicine technologies and therapies, limiting advancements in the field and impacting patient access to specialized nuclear medicine treatments. Addressing the shortage of trained nuclear medicine professionals requires concerted efforts from stakeholders, including educational institutions, healthcare organizations, professional societies, and regulatory bodies, to promote workforce development initiatives, expand training programs, and incentivize careers in nuclear medicine.
Opportunities
- Development of Novel Radiopharmaceuticals
- Expansion into Emerging Markets
- Adoption of Theranostics Approaches
- Collaboration and Partnerships in Research and Development
-
Integration of Nuclear Medicine into Multimodal Treatment Protocols- The integration of nuclear medicine into multimodal treatment protocols represents a pivotal advancement within the global therapeutic nuclear medicine market, offering a comprehensive approach to disease management that combines multiple therapeutic modalities for enhanced patient outcomes. Multimodal treatment protocols leverage the synergistic effects of different treatment modalities, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted radionuclide therapy, to optimize therapeutic efficacy and minimize treatment-related toxicities. Nuclear medicine plays a key role in this integrated approach by providing targeted radionuclide therapy that selectively delivers radiation to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues, thereby complementing and enhancing the effectiveness of other treatment modalities.
By integrating nuclear medicine into multimodal treatment protocols, healthcare providers can tailor treatment strategies to the individual needs of patients, offering personalized care that addresses the complexities of their disease pathology and treatment response. This patient-centered approach enables healthcare teams to optimize treatment outcomes, improve disease control, and enhance quality of life for patients with various medical conditions amenable to nuclear medicine interventions. Furthermore, the integration of nuclear medicine into multimodal treatment protocols underscores the growing recognition of nuclear medicine as an indispensable component of comprehensive cancer care and disease management, driving advancements in therapeutic nuclear medicine and expanding its role in modern healthcare practice.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market include,
- Cardinal Health Inc
- Eckert & Ziegler
- IBA Radiopharma Solutions
- Jubilant DraxImage Inc
- Nordion Inc
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Radionuclide Type
- Market Snapshot, By Indication
- Market Snapshot, By End-Use
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Increasing Incidence of Cancer
- Technological Advancements in Radiopharmaceutical Development
- Growing Demand for Personalized Medicine
- Rising Investments in Nuclear Medicine Research
- Expanding Applications in Oncology and Neurology
- Restraints
- Regulatory Hurdles and Approval Delays
- High Cost of Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Procedures
- Limited Access to Specialized Nuclear Medicine Facilities
- Concerns About Radiation Exposure and Safety
- Shortage of Trained Nuclear Medicine Professionals
- Opportunities
- Development of Novel Radiopharmaceuticals
- Expansion into Emerging Markets
- Adoption of Theranostics Approaches
- Collaboration and Partnerships in Research and Development
- Integration of Nuclear Medicine into Multimodal Treatment Protocols
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market,By Radionuclide Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Alpha Emitters
- Beta Emitters
- Brachytherapy
- Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market, By Indication, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Thyroid Disorders
- Cancer
- Blood Disorders
- Bone Pain Treatment
- Others
- Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market, By End-Use, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Hospitals
- Ambulatory Centers
- Cancer Centers
- Others
- Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Market,By Radionuclide Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Cardinal Health Inc
- Eckert & Ziegler
- IBA Radiopharma Solutions
- Jubilant DraxImage Inc
- Nordion Inc
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market