Brain Cancer Diagnostics Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The global market for brain cancer diagnostics is projected to expand significantly, increasing from US$ 1,639.10 million in 2022 to US$ 7,378.57 million by 2028. This growth represents a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.5% over the forecast period from 2022 to 2028.

The rising incidence of brain cancer globally, coupled with an increase in the number of cigarette smokers, is a key driver for the expansion of the brain cancer diagnostics market.

A "primary brain tumor" is defined as a tumor that originates in the brain itself. Brain and nervous system cancers rank as the tenth leading cause of death for both men and women. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), approximately 24,530 adults (comprising 13,840 men and 10,690 women) were diagnosed with primary brain and spinal cord tumors in the United States in 2021. The lifetime risk of developing such tumors is less than 1%. Notably, brain tumors constitute about 85% to 90% of all primary central nervous system (CNS) malignancies. These tumors can be life-threatening, significantly affect the quality of life, and alter the lives of patients and their families.

In the UK, Cancer Research UK estimates that around 12,288 new cases of brain tumors, other CNS tumors, and intracranial tumors are diagnosed annually, averaging about 34 cases per day (2016-2018). These tumors are the ninth most prevalent malignancy in the UK, accounting for 3% of all new cancer cases during the same period. Furthermore, they rank as the seventh most common cancer among females, with approximately 6,400 new cases reported, while in males, they are the eleventh most common cancer, with around 5,800 new cases diagnosed. The highest incidence rates for brain tumors are observed in individuals aged 85 to 89 years (2016-2018).

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, glioblastoma is the most prevalent malignant brain tumor, representing 47.7% of all cases, with an incidence rate of 3.21 per 100,000 individuals. In Australia, Cancer Australia reported approximately 1,879 new brain cancer cases in 2020.

Early detection of brain tumors is crucial as it often leads to a wider range of treatment options. Advanced imaging technologies are essential for accurately locating brain tumors. Techniques such as intraoperative MRI can assist in guiding biopsies and tumor resections during surgical procedures. Additionally, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is utilized to analyze the chemical properties of tumors. Consequently, the growing prevalence of brain cancer worldwide has led to an increased demand for diagnostic tools.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on healthcare services, diverting resources away from cancer care. Initially, the brain cancer diagnostics market experienced a downturn due to supply chain disruptions and reduced demand, as many countries implemented lockdowns. Cancer patients, particularly those who are immunocompromised and older, faced adverse effects during the pandemic. Many routine follow-up and imaging appointments were postponed, leading to delays in cancer diagnoses. This postponement contributed to an increase in cancer-related mortality. Although studies on COVID-19's effects on cancer patients were limited, they consistently indicated that this demographic faced a higher risk of severe illness. Recent research suggests that pediatric cancer patients may have a lower risk of severe COVID-19 compared to adults. Thus, the pandemic negatively influenced the growth trajectory of the brain cancer diagnostics market.

The brain cancer diagnostics market is categorized based on various diagnostic types, including imaging tests, lumbar punctures, biopsies, molecular testing, platforms and services, cerebral arteriograms, neurological and hearing tests/neurocognitive assessments, electroencephalography (EEG), and others. The molecular testing segment is further divided into MRI, CT scans, PET scans, and other modalities. In 2022, the imaging test segment is anticipated to dominate the market share, while the platform and services segment is projected to experience the fastest growth rate during the forecast period.

In terms of cancer types, the market is segmented into acoustic neuromas, astrocytomas, craniopharyngiomas, ganglioneuromas, glioblastoma multiforme, ganglioneuromas, meningiomas, ependymomas, oligodendrogliomas, low-grade tumors, and others. The glioblastoma multiforme segment is expected to hold the largest market share in 2022 and is also projected to register the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2028.

Regarding tumor size, the market is divided into segments of 0.2 cm? to 100 cm?, 101 cm? to 200 cm?, and above 200 cm?. The segment of 0.2 cm? to 100 cm? is expected to dominate the market share in 2022 and is forecasted to achieve the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

From an end-user perspective, the brain cancer diagnostics market is segmented into hospitals, specialty clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, diagnostic centers and research institutes, and others. The hospitals segment is projected to hold the largest market share in 2022, while the specialty clinics segment is expected to experience the highest growth rate from 2022 to 2028.

Key sources of information for this report on the brain cancer diagnostics market include the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization, National Library of Medicine, The American Cancer Society, Japan Radiology Society, and Globocan 2020.