Despite a 21% decline in U.S. sales of PET scanners in 2009, PET procedure volume grew 9% to approximately 2 million studies last year, with procedure growth expected to maintain that level of expansion in 2010, according to the latest report from market research firm Bio-Tech Systems of Las Vegas.
The study, authored by Marvin Burns, president of Bio-Tech Systems, found that manufacturers took orders for 164 PET systems in 2009, which includes refurbished units. The report attributed the decline to uncertainties over reimbursement and excess scanner capacity, which delayed plans for many potential buyers to purchase new PET systems.
The market for new PET scanners, however, appears to be stabilizing, with buyers showing more confidence in the modality and manufacturers better addressing clinical needs by broadening the product base, the report noted. For example, scanner manufacturers all have introduced advanced time-of-flight PET systems with 64-slice CT technology priced at more than $2 million.
"Simultaneously, [manufacturers] have expanded their product lines to include functional scanners for everyday use priced more affordably. The market has responded well to the added choice, which should help future sales," according to the report.
If conditions are right, the study predicted, worldwide sales of PET scanners could increase from approximately $700 million in 2009 to $1.16 billion by 2017.
FDG market
The report also noted that sales of FDG were relatively flat, at approximately $300 million last year, due to competitive pricing. FDG sales growth, however, has resumed this year and is expected to accelerate over the next several years as new products are introduced.
The study forecasts that PET radiopharmaceutical sales will increase to $3.43 billion by 2017, with $2.43 billion of that projected total coming from sales of new products. Although reimbursement issues will persist, it is likely that PET eventually will qualify for open coverage similar to CT and MRI, which will stimulate the market.
Despite continued pressure on reimbursement, PET users are adapting to requirements imposed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and private insurance carriers.
U.S. PET market
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| * = projected. Source: Bio-Tech Systems. |
Reimbursement issues
"Although reimbursement uncertainties have continued, physicians are gaining more confidence in PET with a better sense for how it can be effectively utilized," Burns wrote in the report. "They are also more knowledgeable in pursuing applications in diagnosis and staging of disease, as well as treatment planning and monitoring of therapy for a broader class of patients. This has increased PET's credibility with referring physicians as well as radiology benefits managers and CMS."
The lackluster U.S. economy has adversely affected the PET sales market, with less capital available for purchases. However, the study stated, the broader product base and price flexibility should also help international sales.
Based on these observations, both U.S. and international orders for PET scanners will resume growth at 9% to 10% per year and may exceed these projections, if procedure volume grows as predicted. Therefore, worldwide sales of PET scanners will increase from about $700 million in 2009 to $1.16 billion by 2017.
In the international market, the report noted, a broader product base and price flexibility should also help international sales. In 2009, there were 434 PET unit sales, including refurbished systems. The forecast for international sales in 2017 is 885 units.
By Wayne Forrest
AuntMinnie.com staff writer
November 23, 2010
Related Reading
U.S. PET sales drop 17% in 2008, but optimism remains, August 13, 2009
New technology spurs investment in brachytherapy, April 23, 2009
PET procedures grow as sales fall, July 17, 2008
PET market continues double-digit growth, June 9, 2006
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