A new report from market research firm TechNavio predicts significant growth in the market for nuclear imaging technologies for the next four years. It forecasts a compound annual growth rate of nearly 6% through 2019 for two key modalities, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET).

According to the report, “Global Nuclear Imaging Market 2015–2019,” the market is predominantly driven by the increased use of nuclear medicine for detecting diseases at an early stage. At the same time, the growth of the market is inhibited by a few serious challenges, most notably a shortage of radioisotopes.

Also contributing to market growth, say TechNavio analysts, are increasing competition among vendors in the field and advances in the technology. The report names GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare and Siemens Healthcare as key players in nuclear imaging technologies.

The report echoes the outlook of another recent study on SPECT and PET by Bio-Tech Systems Inc. The new report is offered for sale on the TechNavio website.