Global Molecular Breast Imaging Market - 2023-2030

Overview

Molecular breast imaging also known as scintimammography, nuclear medicine breast imaging and breast-specific gamma imaging, is an advanced and FDA-approved imaging technology that is used to identify breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue. Molecular breast imaging uses a special camera and a small amount of radioactive tracer to spotlight differences in tissue activity and differentiate healthy, dense tissue from breast irregularities. It is a highly accurate imaging study with a low chance of missing cancerous cells.

Moreover, a small amount of radioactive tracer is administered to the patient through an intravenous line. The tracer is swiftly absorbed by rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, and appears highlighted on imaging results. The patient places her breast on a special platform which is similar to that of a mammogram machine. The breast is gently compressed to capture high-quality images with a special gamma camera, but this light compression should not cause discomfort. The gamma cameras record the breast's tissue activity for about 20 minutes.

Market Dynamics: Drivers

Increasing adoption of molecular breast imaging for breast cancer screening

The increasing adoption of molecular breast imaging for breast cancer screening is expected to drive the market over the forecast period. Molecular breast imaging is known for its higher sensitivity in detecting breast cancer, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. It can help identify tumors that might be missed by mammography alone. This increased accuracy is a significant driver of its adoption.

Moreover, molecular breast imaging is often used as a complementary screening tool alongside mammography. Also, in cases where the mammograms yield inconclusive results or when additional information is needed, this imaging technique can provide valuable insights by reducing the risk of missed or delayed cancer diagnoses.

Ongoing advancements in this imaging technology have made it more accessible and easier to use. These technological improvements like the development of digital gamma cameras and more comfortable imaging procedures, make it a more attractive option. It is often recommended for high-risk patients such as those with a family history of breast cancer or known genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2. The ability to detect cancer at an earlier stage can be lifesaving for these individuals.

For instance, on February 9, 2021, SmartBreast Corporation released that it has formed a partnership with FoxSemicon Integrated Technologies, Inc. (FITI) to manufacture Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) systems. FITI has invested substantially in SmartBreast and will be the contract manufacturer for two MBI systems recently acquired by SmartBreast, the GE Healthcare Discovery NM 750b and the Dilon Technologies D6800. SmartBreast will rebrand the two systems as EVE CLEAR SCAN e750 and e680, respectively. Together, SmartBreast and FITI will co-develop and manufacture innovative, cost-effective, next-generation MBI systems to further increase the efficacy of detecting cancer in the earlier stage and to increase the adoption.

Further, the increasing prevalence of breast cancers, rising FDA approvals for novel and advanced molecular imaging techniques for breast, increasing clinical trials to develop more advanced devices, increasing awareness and advancements in the development of molecular breast imaging devices are the factors expected to drive the market over the forecast period.

Restraints

Factors such as complications associated with molecular breast imaging, the high cost of associated with this imaging technique, this test can't detect all cancers and the tracer in the molecular breast imaging can develop allergic reactions are expected to hamper the market.

Segment Analysis

The global molecular breast imaging market is segmented based on design type, modality, application, end-user and region.

The gamma camera segment accounted for approximately 45.3% of the molecular breast imaging market share

The gamma camera segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. The gamma camera in molecular breast imaging is mainly responsible for capturing images of the breast tissue after the injection of a radioactive tracer. It detects gamma rays emitted from the tracer, which is preferentially taken up by areas with increased metabolic activity, such as breast cancerous tumors.

Furthermore, the sensitivity of the gamma camera is crucial in detecting even small or low-activity tumors in the breast. This molecular breast imaging which consists of the gamma camera offers another option for women to be proactive about their breast health. Modern gamma cameras are designed for efficiency by allowing for quicker image acquisition and reduced radiation exposure for patients. Efficiency is a vital consideration, as it impacts patient comfort.

Additionally, the gamma cameras of molecular breast imaging often come equipped with advanced image processing and analysis software. These tools aid radiologists in interpreting the images, making the camera an integral part of the diagnostic process. The design and functionality of the gamma camera can significantly influence the patient's experience. A comfortable and well-designed camera can help reduce anxiety and improve the overall patient experience during the molecular breast imaging procedure.

Geographical Analysis

North America accounted for approximately 40.3% of the market share

North America region is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period owing to the strong presence of major players and increasing research activities. North America especially the United States is a hub for its strong presence of major players such as diagnostic companies and medical device companies. The presence of major players actively focusing on the development of more advanced molecular breast imaging by the technological advancements for better adoption along with better patient outcomes.

Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of breast cancer in the region is very high, which is considered to drive the market in the region. Due to the high prevalence of breast cancer in the region, it is known for the increased adoption for the diagnosis and screening of breast cancer. Early detection reduces the death rate of the patients by early detection and diagnosis.

For instance, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), 2021, in the United States, there are over 250,000 new cases of breast cancer annually with over 46,000 women dying of the disease. Over the past two decades, the death rate from breast cancer has decreased by over 40%, a monumental achievement, due to the combination of improved detection as well as improved, increasingly targeted therapies. When breast cancer is detected early, over 95% of women survive more than five years.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the molecular breast imaging market include: CMR Naviscan Corporation, SmartBreast Corporation and DIGIRAD HEALTH, INC. among others.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the global molecular breast imaging market. During the pandemic, molecular breast imaging procedures are postponed or canceled temporarily due to the redirected focus on the pandemic and its associated risks. Molecular breast imaging experienced a drop in patient volumes as people postponed routine visits. The pandemic disrupted supply chains for the components and materials needed for molecular breast imaging systems. Delays in the manufacturing and distribution of these components affected the availability of these imaging equipment.

Market Segmentation

By Design Type

• Radioactive Tracer
• Special Camera

By Modality

• Single Head Gamma Camera
• Dual Head Camera

By Application

• Breast Screening
• Breast Diagnosis

By End-User

• Hospitals
• Diagnostic Centers
• Specialty Clinics
• Academic and Research Institutes
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global molecular breast imaging market segmentation based on design type, modality, application, end-user and region as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of molecular breast imaging market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global molecular breast imaging market report would provide approximately 48 tables, 59 figures, and 187 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies