With the rising incidence of prostate cancer in Australia, there is a growing need for accurate and timely diagnostic methods. As a result, the use of PET imaging and SPECT imaging agents is likely to rise over the next few years. The surge in precision diagnostics, bolstered by heightened awareness among healthcare professionals and proactive efforts by manufacturers to advance care, is further contributing to this growth. Against this backdrop, the country’s nuclear imaging agents market is set to reach $30 million by 2036, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s latest report, “Nuclear Imaging Agents Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement, and Forecast to 2036”, reveals that in 2024, Australia accounted for nearly 15% of the nuclear imaging agents market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This growth is fueled by a rising disease burden and continuous improvements in healthcare systems, which are essential for improving diagnostic capabilities.

Telix Pharmaceuticals, a prominent manufacturer of both therapeutic and diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, is making a significant impact in enhancing prostate cancer diagnostics, both within Australia and on the global stage. Developed by Telix, prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) PET imaging agent, Illuccix, has received approval in more than 30 countries. Notably, in 2025, it secured approvals in Greece, Germany, and the Czech Republic, highlighting its growing clinical value worldwide.

Illuccix uses a targeted agent, ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11, which binds specifically to the PSMA protein found on prostate cancer cells. This precise targeting enables highly accurate detection and clear visualization of cancer, providing clinicians with more accurate insight into the disease.

Shagufta Hasan, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Historically, detecting prostate cancer has been challenging due to the limitations in conventional imaging, which often failed to clearly separate between malignant tissues from benign ones. The introduction of products such as Illuccix marks a significant advancement, providing greater accuracy and earlier detection of PSMA-positive lesions. This innovation is expected to improve treatment outcomes and broaden access to quality cancer care.”

As Australia continues to emphasize fairness in cancer care, broader use of advanced agents such as PSMA-PET is helping to raise the bar for diagnostic accuracy and enabling more strategic treatment planning.

Hasan concludes: “The growing adoption of PSMA-PET imaging marks a transformative shift in how prostate cancer is managed, providing more precise clinical insights than traditional methods like bone scans and CT scans. This advancement is not only elevating the standard of care in Australia but also shows strong potential to improve cancer diagnostics worldwide.”