Medical Terahertz Technology Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The medical terahertz technology sector is projected to expand significantly, with an anticipated increase from US$ 135.29 million in 2022 to US$ 349.00 million by 2028. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1% over the period from 2022 to 2028.

Terahertz (THz) technology encompasses electromagnetic waves that fall within the frequency spectrum between millimeter waves and infrared, specifically ranging from 300 GHz to 10 THz. These waves are particularly adept at interacting with intermolecular bonds, such as the hydrogen bonds found in water and the N-H bonds present in proteins. This sensitivity allows THz radiation to detect minor variations, such as changes in blood flow or water content, which can be indicative of various medical conditions. The terahertz technology field is rapidly evolving, with applications spanning biology, medicine, medical imaging, material spectroscopy, security, monitoring, and pharmaceutical spectroscopy.

In the realm of dentistry, terahertz imaging is utilized to identify dental caries at their earliest stages, as well as other structural defects in teeth. This method avoids the ionization risks associated with traditional X-ray detection. THz pulse imaging can yield valuable diagnostic information regarding enamel, dentine, and pulp cavities. Research indicates that measuring the time-of-flight of THz pulses through dental structures allows for precise assessments of enamel thickness and other critical parameters. By integrating these techniques, practitioners can generate detailed images that highlight both enamel and dentine, while also identifying pulp cavities through THz pulse absorption. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, 13.2% of children aged 5-19 and 25.9% of adults aged 20-44 in the United States had untreated dental caries, underscoring the need for advanced diagnostic technologies like terahertz imaging.

The medical terahertz technology market is categorized into two primary segments: terahertz imaging and terahertz spectroscopy. In 2022, the terahertz imaging segment commanded the largest market share. This imaging technique is particularly promising in the biomedical field due to its sensitivity to polar compounds, such as water, found in biological tissues. The spatial resolution achievable with THz imaging can reach several tens of micrometers, and its strong penetrating ability makes it suitable for tomographic applications in biological systems. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of THz technology in analyzing human blood, muscle, skin, fat, veins, and nerve tissues, confirming its potential for clinical applications.

Research involving THz imaging on a cohort of 22 breast cancer patients has shown a significant correlation between the microscopic findings from pathological examinations and THz imaging results, highlighting its utility in the early detection of breast cancer. Furthermore, THz imaging can differentiate between the reflection spectra of grey matter and white matter in brain tissues, showcasing its capability to distinguish between various tissue types. The two predominant THz imaging systems in use are THz pulsed imaging (TPI) and continuous-wave (CW) THz imaging.

From an application perspective, the medical terahertz technology market is divided into several segments, including oncology, dentistry, dermatology, tomography, biochemistry, and others. The oncology segment is expected to hold the largest market share in 2022 and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 18.2% from 2022 to 2028. Terahertz waves, with frequencies ranging from 0.1 THz to 10 THz, possess low ionization energy and can effectively differentiate most proteins based on their spectral fingerprints, making them highly valuable in the biomedical field, particularly for cancer diagnostics. Early detection and classification of tumors can significantly enhance patient survival rates. Current clinical methods for cancer diagnosis include spectroscopic biomarker detection and tissue imaging. The non-ionizing, non-invasive nature of THz waves allows for high-accuracy inspections of tissues with minimal damage to healthy cells. Additionally, THz spectral fingerprinting can be employed for both qualitative and quantitative analyses of cancer biomarkers, enabling differentiation between diseased, peritumoral, and normal tissues, thus providing surgeons with critical information for effective cancer treatment.

The rising incidence of cancer is a significant driver for the growth of the medical terahertz technology market in the United States. Moreover, terahertz technology is also instrumental in diagnosing dental issues. The CDC's 2019 data indicates that untreated dental caries affected 13.2% of children aged 5-19 and 25.9% of adults aged 20-44, further emphasizing the importance of advanced diagnostic technologies.

Key sources consulted in the preparation of this report on the medical terahertz technology market include the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the CDC.