Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market Share, Size and Growth Analysis By 2029

The liver cancer diagnostics market is expected to grow significantly, with projections indicating it will reach approximately US$ 15,951.77 million by 2028, up from US$ 9,323.14 million in 2021. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2021 to 2028.

This report outlines the primary factors propelling market growth and identifies key players along with their advancements. The increase in liver cancer cases and the rise in research and development investments aimed at creating innovative diagnostic tests are the main drivers of this market. Conversely, the high costs associated with advanced liver cancer diagnostic technologies pose a challenge to market expansion.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of liver cancer, originating in hepatocytes, the primary liver cells. This type of cancer is most commonly found in individuals suffering from chronic liver conditions, such as cirrhosis, often resulting from hepatitis B or C infections. Other liver cancer types, like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma, are considerably less common. Additionally, metastatic cancer, which begins in other organs such as the colon, lung, or breast and spreads to the liver, is also a significant concern. For example, metastatic colon cancer originates in the colon and can extend to the liver.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 24,500 men and 10,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with liver cancer annually, with around 18,600 men and 9,000 women succumbing to the disease each year. The incidence of liver cancer in the U.S. has been on the rise for several decades, and it is more prevalent in various regions globally. An article in Chinese Clinical Oncology (CCO) states that HCC is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for about 47,000 deaths annually in Europe alone. The incidence rates vary, with Southern Europe reporting higher rates compared to Northern and Central Europe.

In the UK, projections indicate a 14% increase in HCC mortality rates from 2006 to 2025, marking the highest rise among male cancers. Factors such as obesity and overweight conditions are significant risk factors for liver cancer, with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) being prevalent among obese individuals. A specific subtype of NAFLD, known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), can lead to cirrhosis, which is a precursor to liver cancer. Research by Eunsun Kim et al., published in Experimental & Molecular Medicine in 2020, indicates that the incidence of NAFLD and NASH is on the rise, with predictions suggesting that HCC-related deaths could reach 1 million annually by 2030.

Inherited metabolic disorders can also contribute to cirrhosis. Lifestyle choices, including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, are leading causes of cirrhosis in the U.S., which correlates with an increased risk of liver cancer. Furthermore, Type 2 diabetes has been associated with a heightened risk of liver cancer, particularly in individuals with additional risk factors such as chronic viral hepatitis or heavy alcohol use. The IDF Diabetes Atlas (Tenth edition, 2021) reports that around 537 million adults aged 20-79 are living with diabetes, with projections estimating this number will rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. These factors collectively contribute to the increasing incidence of liver cancer, thereby stimulating the liver cancer diagnostics market.

The global liver cancer diagnostics market is categorized by type into several segments: laboratory tests, endoscopy, imaging, biopsy, and others. The laboratory tests segment, which includes blood tests and biomarkers, held the largest market share in 2021. However, the imaging segment is expected to experience a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period. In terms of end users, the market is divided into hospitals and diagnostic laboratories, academic and research institutions, and contract research organizations (CROs). The hospitals and diagnostic laboratories segment dominated the market in 2021, as hospitals offer specialized healthcare services equipped with advanced scientific tools. Trained personnel are dedicated to addressing and resolving issues related to modern medical science within hospitals. Patients often prefer hospitals for liver cancer treatment due to the availability of cutting-edge treatment options, and this segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period.

Key sources referenced in the preparation of this report on the liver cancer diagnostics market include the National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute of Statistics, Geography, and Informatics, National Health and Medical Research Council, and the World Health Organization.