Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market

Market Overview

The global liver cancer diagnostics market size was valued at USD 11.02 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 20.95 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

Liver cancer is a form of cancer that affects the liver. The liver carries out several vital tasks to support the body's ability to digest food, absorb nutrients, and heal injuries. The liver creates bile, which helps digest vitamins, fats, and other nutrients. This important organ stores nutrients like glucose even when not eating. Moreover, it decomposes poisons and drugs. As liver cancer takes hold, it kills liver cells and impairs the liver's capacity to function normally.

Primary or secondary liver cancer are the two general categories. The cells of the liver are where primary liver cancer starts. Secondary liver cancer develops when cancer cells metastasize or spread to the liver from another organ. Early-stage liver cancer is frequently asymptomatic, and tumors are frequently invisible outside the body. Further, liver spots that may be cancerous are tiny and difficult to detect. The highly competent specialists at MD Anderson use cutting-edge techniques to detect and diagnose even the smallest liver lesions. Laboratory tests, endoscopy, imaging tests, and biopsy, among others, are the few tests for diagnosing liver cancer.

Highlights

• Laboratory tests dominate thetest type segment
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Global Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market Drivers

Increasing Prevalence of Cancer

A global increase in the prevalence of cancer is one of the major factors facilitating market growth over the recent past. According to WHO, the global cancer burden was estimated to be about 18.1 million new cases and nearly 43.8 million deaths in 2018. Growth in cancer incidence can be primarily attributed to factors such as increasing geriatric and overall populations and changing socioeconomic conditions that are known to influence certain causes of cancer.

According to WHO, obesity, certain types of infections, and radiation exposure are the major factors associated with increased cancer incidence. The American Cancer Society estimates that 8 million individuals die of cancer each year, which is indicative of a rising cancer burden globally. Cancer cases are twice as common as noncommunicable diseases in several countries, prompting the government and private sector to increase the number of awareness and screening programs. Therefore, the growing global prevalence of cancer is anticipated to significantly boost the demand for cancer diagnostic products during the forecast period.

Rising Initiatives Undertaken by Public and Private Organizations

A rise in the number of programs to help raise awareness about cancer by various organizations is a key factor in surging the demand for cancer diagnostic products worldwide. The global adoption of liver cancer screening has increased to increase cancer patient survival rates and improve their quality of life. In 2018, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) funded a research program at Michigan Medicine to alter the existing liver cancer surveillance and facilitate early detection of liver cancer in the U.S. Major market players are also undertaking initiatives to increase general awareness about liver cancers, likely encouraging people to opt for cancer screening at regular intervals.

Additionally, several countries have undertaken measures to increase screening for early diagnosis of cancers and help existing cancer patients. For instance, the Indian government initiated the Ayushman Bharat and the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for patients who require assistance during cancer treatment. Therefore, an increase in the number of such initiatives by various private and public organizations is expected to significantly propel market growth.

Global Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market Restraints

Radiation Exposure Likely to Limit Usage of Cancer Treatment

Imaging modalities are conventionally widely used for diagnosing tumors. However, injecting radioactive agents can cause adverse effects from radiation exposure. In addition, radiologists and other professionals at imaging centers are typically at a high risk of radiation exposure. In some instances, radiation exposure has also caused cancer. Considering radiation exposure's adverse effects and dangers, imaging centers must adhere to stringent guidelines to protect patients and personnel. Therefore, hiring skilled professionals is necessary, increasing the financial burden on imaging centers, which is expected to constrain market growth during the forecast period.

Global Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market Opportunities

Technological Advancements

Global access to cancer diagnosis tools is increasing significantly due to technological advancements in cancer diagnostics. FDA's support for developing cancer biomarkers and mass cytometry, the launch of various flow cytometry reagents for drug discovery and diagnosis, technologically advanced miniaturized devices facilitating portability and precision, and the development of cell- and bead-based flow cytometry techniques are primary factors expected to propel the market growth.

Furthermore, increasing microfluidic technology for cancer diagnosis is another key factor in replacing conventional diagnostics. Although imaging has been the predominant diagnostic technique used for liver cancer, an increase in the use of biomarkers has been witnessed in the recent past. Several hypotheses have been researched to formulate a diagnostic method to facilitate timely prognosis and treatment. For instance, the use of Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI as a replacement for CT scans during CT Hepatic Arteriography (CTHA) and CT during Arterial Portography (CTAP) for the diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is one of the several hypotheses being studied. Such technological advancement is expected to create opportunities for market growth.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global liver cancer diagnostics market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. 

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global liver cancer diagnostics market shareholder and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.21% during the forecast period. Growth in the number of initiatives undertaken by the government and various research activities conducted by research and academic institutes are some of the factors influencing the region's market growth soon. For instance, the American Cancer Society recommends screening for liver cancer with AFP blood tests and ultrasound procedures every six months. These tests are primarily advised for those with hereditary hemochromatosis, chronic hepatitis B infection, and cirrhosis at high risk of developing liver cancer.

In addition, the rise in the prevalence of liver cancer in the country is anticipated to impact the market growth significantly soon. For instance, the University of Toronto states that deaths caused due to liver cancer have been increasing drastically in the past 25 years. In 1993, an estimated 1.6 Canadian women were diagnosed with liver cancer, which doubled in 2017. The major reason causing liver cancer in the country is the rise in the prevalence of hepatitis B and C among individuals. Therefore, the rise in the prevalence of liver diseases in the country is a major factor expected to rapidly enhance the regional market's growth.

Europe is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 8.2% over the forecast period. The rise in the prevalence of diseases such as hepatitis B & C, liver cirrhosis, and HCC is one of the major factors anticipated to aid market growth during the forecast period. Other factors influencing the market growth are the rising geriatric population, growing awareness regarding early detection in developing countries, and rising alcohol consumption in the region. In addition, the UK and Germany are expected to witness exponential growth soon owing to various initiatives undertaken by the government and research and academic institutes. For instance, HCA Healthcare UK states that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that all individuals consuming alcohol routinely, including more than five bottles of wine per week, get their liver screened.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to witness considerable growth shortly owing to a rise in diseases that cause liver cancer, a lack of awareness among individuals, and a rise in demand for early detection of liver cancer. In addition, the rise in screening programs conducted by the government of various countries is also a major factor anticipated to boost market growth in the region. For instance, the government of India launched a low-cost screening program for all liver cancer at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS). This program includes tumor marker tests, blood tests for hepatitis B and C, ultrasound of the upper abdomen, and specialized scanning for liver cancer.

The Latin American liver cancer diagnostics market growth can be attributed to the high prevalence and mortality rates due to liver cancer in countries such as Brazil and Mexico. As per GLOBOCAN, in 2018, around 38,400 new cases of liver cancer were identified in Latin America and the Caribbean region, which led to around 36,436 deaths. In addition, Brazil dominates this region in market size, attributed to a large target population and several government initiatives for early diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. However, low affordability and adoption of advanced liver cancer diagnostics solutions in underdeveloped economies of the region are expected to hinder market growth over the forecast period.

The Middle East and Africa's liver cancer diagnostic market growth can be attributed to numerous initiatives undertaken by the government to enable early diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. The increased risk of liver cancer due to a high prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in countries such as South Africa is also expected to drive demand for liver cancer diagnostics solutions. However, low awareness about diseases, uncertain reimbursement scenarios, and lack of skilled professionals in some Middle East and African countries is expected to be a major threat to market growth.

Segmental Analysis

The global liver cancer diagnostics market is segmented by test type.

Based on test type, the global liver cancer diagnostics market is bifurcated into laboratory tests, imaging tests, endoscopies, biopsies, and others. 

The laboratory tests segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.8% over the forecast period. The laboratory tests segment is anticipated to witness lucrative expansion throughout the forecast period owing to the rise in the prevalence of liver cancer. Blood, urine, or other body fluids or tissue samples are examined for tumor markers or abnormal cells during laboratory tests for liver cancer. This helps identify whether a person has a precancerous condition or cancer. Laboratory tests are also used to screen high-risk patients, identify various treatment options, pinpoint disease stages, and evaluate if the disease responds to treatment. These tests help determine if a patient has cancer recurrence or a new cancer has developed.

Furthermore, some laboratory tests for diagnosing cancer are circulating tumor cell or CTC tests, complete blood count or CBC, and tumor marker tests. The CBC test helps evaluate the cells circulating in the bloodstream, including White Blood Cells (WBCs), Red Blood Cells (RBCs), and platelets. This test measures two components of RBCs: hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein) and hematocrit (percentage of RBCs in the plasma). Oncologists often use CBC tests to monitor a patient's blood count during treatment because liver cancer treatment may lower blood counts.

Liver imaging in patients diagnosed with liver cancer aims at detecting and characterizing liver tumors. Patients diagnosed with extrahepatic malignancy undergo various survey examinations to exclude the presence of extrahepatic and hepatic metastases and enhance evaluation. Patients diagnosed with hepatic metastases are mostly considered for metastasectomy and undergo an evaluation using contrast-enhanced MRI along with tissue-specific agents. In addition, those diagnosed with chronic liver disease are more likely to develop HCC. Therefore, periodic liver screening using ultrasonography and extracellular gadolinium and chelate contrast-enhanced MRI is used to evaluate individuals showcasing abnormal ultrasonography. Imaging of vascular anatomy is done with MR angiography or CT angiography and mostly requires various other examinations.

In endoscopy, technological advancements are a major factor anticipated to fuel market growth soon. Some of the new techniques of endoscopy include virtual and capsule endoscopy. Virtual endoscopy involves CT scans of various thin sections of body parts, which the computer combines to form a complete view. Researchers also developed capsule endoscopy that includes swallowing vitamin-sized small capsules along with a camera. Therefore, technological advancements for diagnosing liver cancer are anticipated to aid market growth over the forecast period.

Additionally, histological diagnosis through liver biopsy is observed to be necessary if HCC carcinoma develops in a non-cirrhotic patient and if imaging studies are compatible with HCC. The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases does not recommend biopsy for lesions bigger than 1 cm if various imaging studies yield concordant findings. Liver biopsy is done mostly under the guidance of a CT scan or ultrasonography, with varying degrees of sensitivity and specificity. Also, a liver biopsy may be needed in patients not candidates for curative resection to establish a diagnosis for systemic transplantation or therapy.

Recent Developments

• June 2023- The University of Manchester (UoM) in the United Kingdom received funding from NHS England to investigate using a new test for early liver cancer detection. Elecsys GAAD, which will be tested using the over £1 million in funding, will allow patients to access care earlier, potentially saving lives.
• November 2022- Delfi Diagnostics' mission to bring low-cost liquid biopsies to the market advanced last week with the release of optimistic preliminary results for its liver cancer screen. The blood test showed a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 98% in more than 700 people at average risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.