Strategic Analysis of Global Gamma Camera Markets

Abstract

Imaging Agent Pipeline Key to Advancement of Molecular Imaging

Nuclear gamma cameras are a very important imaging modality for molecular imaging and their strength lies mainly in the large global installed base and the availability of longer half-life radioisotopes such as Technetium-99m (with a half-life of 6 hours). However, robust market growth is expected to depend on the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic imaging agents. In the face of increasing competition for budget/resources from positron emission tomography (PET), new imaging agents can create fresh clinical applications for gamma cameras and help expand the market.

This Frost & Sullivan strategic analysis service explores the nuclear gamma camera's key competitive advantage with respect to PET scanners and looks at two developments that may potentially change the industry landscape: new diagnostic/therapeutic agents successfully passing clinical trials, and the upcoming launch of hybrid single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging systems. The study covers general imaging and cardiology applications using single-, double-, and triple-head SPECT/CT.

Developments in Radio-immunotherapy Drive Market Growth

Currently, nuclear cardiology is the key driver for growth in the U.S. nuclear gamma camera markets with two imaging agents for myocardial perfusion imaging – Cardiolite and Myoview – holding the major share in the SPECT imaging agents market. However, some very promising radio-immunotherapeutic drugs in the clinical pipeline may open gamma cameras to the cancer treatment market. "In the oncology arena, two approved diagnostic and therapeutic agents targeted for non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma – Zevalin and Bexxar – have the potential of achieving widespread clinical adoption in the coming years," says the analyst of the research.

Hybrid SPECT/CT Imaging Systems Present New Growth Opportunities

Revenues from the global gamma camera market reached $638.0 million in 2003. The introduction and clinical acceptance of hybrid SPECT/CT systems such as GE Medical Systems?f Infinia Hawkeye are expected to further accelerate growth. These hybrid imaging systems complement functional imaging of SPECT with anatomical imaging of CT. As a result, the performance of both new and approved imaging agents such as ProstaScint can be significantly improved.