Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market is Segmented By Test Type (Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tumor marker test, Laboratory Tests, Biopsy, Imaging, Others), By End User (Hospitals, Cancer Research Institutes, Diagnostic Laboratories, Others), and By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2030

Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market Size

Global Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market reached USD 8.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 14.1 billion by 2030 growing with a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period 2023-2030. Several new tests are being developed to improve the detection and accuracy of diagnosing liver cancer. These include Liquid Biopsy, which uses a sample of blood to detect cancer cells, and Immunohistochemistry, which uses specialized antibodies to identify tumor markers on cells.

Recent trends in liver cancer diagnostics include advances in liver cancer diagnosis that have concentrated on numerous areas, including prevention, early detection, and enhanced surveillance systems. For instance, Scientists in the NCI's Early Detection Research Network (EDRN), a network of institutions researching biomarkers for early-stage cancer, have identified many promising biomarkers of early-stage liver cancer.

These biomarkers are being explored further in the NCI's HCC Early Detection Strategy Study, a long-term study of persons with cirrhosis. Researchers are attempting to investigate if these biomarkers may be found in blood samples from persons who have developed liver cancer. The NCI is also leading a study of Baltimore, MD residents to investigate the genetic aspects of liver cancer and to identify biomarkers for early identification or prevention.

Liver cancer diagnostics involve several tests and procedures to detect and diagnose liver cancer. Staging tests commonly used for liver cancer include CT scans, MRIs, and bone scans. Staging helps determine the size, location, and extent of the cancer, which guides treatment decisions and provides a prognosis. Moreover, the other tests and procedures used to diagnose liver cancer include blood tests and biopsy among others.

Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of liver cancer, advancements in imaging technology, the identification of specific tumor markers, and improved understanding of the disease are the factors expected to drive the market over the forecast period.

Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market Scope

To Know More Insights - Download Sample

Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market Dynamics

Increasing Clinical Trials by the Market Players for the Early Detection of Liver Cancer is Expected to Drive the Global Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market Growth

On March 7, 2022, Helio Health ("Helio"), an AI-driven healthcare company focused on commercializing early cancer detection tests from a simple blood draw, announced that Hepatology Communications published positive results from the ENCORE study validating HelioLiver's strong clinical performance in detecting the presence of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer and the seventh most common cancer worldwide but the second in cancer-related mortality.

In this prospective, blinded, multi-center Phase 2 study, HelioLiver demonstrated high specificity (91%) and sensitivity (76%) in detecting early-stage (stage I and II) HCC, significantly outperforming other clinically available detection tools such as AFP (57%), GALAD (65%), and ultrasound (47%). When it came to HCC in general, HelioLiver had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 91%. Thus, owing to the above factors, the market is expected to drive over the forecast period.

The Development of New Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Liver Cancer is Expected to Drive the Global Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market Growth

On August 30, 2022, Cedars-Sinai Cancer investigators created a blood test that uses technology made commonly available during the COVID-19 pandemic to detect the most common form of liver cancer—at an early enough stage that cure is possible. 

Currently, the best available screening method for at-risk patients is ultrasound imaging of the liver. However, ultrasound testing can be expensive and time-consuming, putting it out of reach of many patients, and the tests often miss smaller, early-stage tumors that could be curable.

Therefore, the test pioneered by Yang and colleagues is a form of liquid biopsy that looks for indications of cancer in blood specimens and uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology—the same technology used in some COVID-19 tests. The scientists tested a protein biomarker on the surface of extracellular vesicles, particles that cells use to communicate with one other and circulate in the blood, in this Phase II multicenter clinical trial. The marker was 90% reliable in identifying patients with hepatocellular cancer. 

In addition to its great efficacy, this marker is user-friendly, cost-effective, and has a quick turnaround time—within six hours from sample collection to result.

Similarly, the test could be especially vital in areas of the world where imaging resources are few. So far, no other liquid biopsy test for liver cancer has been fully assessed sufficiently to be used in clinical use. Thus, owing to the above factors, the market is expected to drive over the forecast period.

High Cost of Liver Cancer Screening is Expected to Hamper the Global Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market Growth

Liver cancer screening can be expensive due to the multiple tests and procedures used to identify the disease in its early stages, as well as the general cost of healthcare. For instance, the average lifetime cost of liver cancer screening ranges from $6,400 to $8,600 per individual. Detecting just one case of liver cancer comes with an average cost between $71,500 and $87,700. On average, 117 to 129 screening tests are required to detect a single case of liver cancer. Thus, owing to the above factors, the market is expected to hamper over the forecast period.

Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market Segment Analysis

The global liver cancer diagnostics market is segmented based on test type, end user, and region.

Owing to the Increased Demand for Non-Invasive Imaging Tests, Advancement in Imaging Techniques for Early Detection of Cancer, and Widely Adopted Procedures, the Test Type Segment Accounted for Approximately 25.3% of the Liver Cancer Diagnostic Market Share 

Imaging technologies are important in the diagnosis of liver cancer because they enable doctors to discover, diagnose, and classify liver tumors. MRI and CT scans are two common methods of imaging used to locate tumors. MRI high-resolution imaging can be used to identify tiny tumors as well as tumors deep into the liver. This enables thorough visualization of the whole liver. CT scans are effective for evaluating bigger lesions and tracking their progression because they are less specific yet provide a faster method.

Moreover, Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is a prominent imaging tool for staging and monitoring liver cancer patients. This approach, which employs a radiotracer that is absorbed by metabolically active primary and metastatic tumors, can provide extra information beyond that of a CT scan.

Similarly, Ultrasound is also an important imaging method in the diagnosis of liver cancer. It is usually used to first identify a liver mass or lesion and to assess vascularity, which aids in distinguishing benign from malignant tumors. In addition, ultrasonography is utilized to track a tumor's reaction to treatment.

In addition to the imaging modalities outlined above, developing technologies are contributing to the advancement of liver cancer diagnosis accuracy. Dual-energy CT (DECT) is a cutting-edge imaging technology that combines the benefits of high-resolution MRI and contrast-enhanced CT.

Both the availability of new cutting-edge technologies that can assist in giving more precise and accurate diagnoses, as well as the usage of imaging techniques in the diagnosis of liver cancer, are rapidly expanding. As a result, medical practitioners need to stay current on the latest imaging procedures and technologies that can assist patients with liver cancer get the best diagnosis and treatment possible. Thus, from the above factors, the market segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. 

Source: DataM Intelligence Analysis (2023)

Global Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market Geographical Share

North America Accounted for Approximately 39.6% of the Market Share in 2022, Owing to the Increasing Prevalence of Liver Cancer and the Availability of Reimbursement for the Diagnosis of Liver Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society estimates, in the United States, the number of diagnoses has more than tripled since 1980. Liver cancer is the 13th most common cancer in the United States, with about 41,210 new cases expected to be diagnosed in 2023. The liver is a critical organ the body cannot live without. It helps filter impurities and produces bile, which helps the body digest food and process fats. Damage to the liver from illness or disease may increase the risk of liver cancer and impact treatment options for the disease. Therefore, there is an increase in the demand for the diagnosis of liver cancer.

Moreover, CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer, including those coping with a liver cancer diagnosis. One of the services that CancerCare offers is help with medical billing, which can be a significant source of stress for individuals and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis. This assistance can include help with insurance claims, appeals, and other financial issues related to cancer treatment.

In addition to medical billing assistance, CancerCare offers a range of other support services for individuals with liver cancer, including Telephone, online, and face-to-face counseling, Support groups led by oncology social workers, Education, and publications about liver cancer treatment and coping strategies, and Financial and co-payment assistance. 

Furthermore, CancerCare's services are available to anyone affected by cancer, regardless of their ability to pay. The organization is committed to providing support that is tailored to each individual's needs and preferences, and its services are available in English and Spanish. Thus, owing to the above factors, the North American region is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period.

Source: DataM Intelligence Analysis (2023)

Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market Companies

The major global players in the market include Abbott Laboratories, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Qiagen N.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Siemens Healthineers, BD, Illumina, Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V, Epigenomics AG, Fujifilm Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc., and Sysmex Corporation among others.

COVID-19 Impact on Liver Cancer Diagnostics Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on liver cancer diagnosis. COVID-19 can exacerbate existing chronic liver disease and complicate the management of liver cancer. The pandemic has significantly impacted the management of liver cancer patients, from diagnosis to treatment strategies. The modification of screening programs due to COVID-19 has caused delays in liver cancer diagnosis. In a study, 80.9% of participating centers reported a delay in liver cancer diagnosis due to the pandemic.

In contrast, during the COVID-19 pandemic, alternative methods for liver cancer screening have been implemented to adapt to the challenges posed by the healthcare system and to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus. Telemedicine has been widely used during the pandemic to provide remote healthcare services. Virtual consultations allow healthcare providers to assess patients' symptoms, review medical history, and provide guidance on liver cancer screening. 

Additionally, risk assessment tools can help identify individuals who are at a higher risk of developing liver cancer. These tools take into account factors such as age, gender, underlying liver disease, and other risk factors. Healthcare providers can use these tools to determine the need for further screening or surveillance.

Russia Ukraine Conflict Analysis

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is a geopolitical issue with profound ramifications. Healthcare infrastructure, such as hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and medical facilities, may suffer damage or be rendered inaccessible in conflict-affected areas. This disruption may affect the availability and accessibility of liver cancer diagnostic services such as imaging technologies, biopsy procedures, and laboratory tests.

Conflicts may interrupt supply chains and reduce the availability of medical supplies such as diagnostic equipment, imaging agents, biopsy tools, and laboratory reagents. This scarcity can cause delays or limits in liver cancer diagnostic techniques, affecting timely and accurate diagnosis.

In addition, the war may cause the displacement of healthcare experts such as radiologists, pathologists, and specialized oncologists, as well as other medical personnel. This loss of expertise may place a further strain on the afflicted regions' liver cancer diagnostic capabilities, perhaps leading to delays in detection and treatment.

Therefore, taking into account the factors mentioned above, it can be stated that the liver cancer diagnostic market experienced a moderate impact as a result of the war.

By Test Type

• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tumor marker test
• Laboratory Tests

• Biomarker
  • Oncofetal and Glycoprotein Antigens
  • Enzymes and Isoenzymes
  • Growth Factors and Receptors
  • Molecular Markers
  • Pathological Biomarkers
• Blood Tests
  • Liver function tests (LFTs)
  • Blood clotting tests
  • Kidney function tests
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Blood chemistry tests and other tests

• Biopsy

• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
• Core needle biopsy
• Laparoscopy

• Imaging

• Ultrasound
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Angiography
• Others

• Others

By End User

• Hospitals
• Cancer Research Institutes
• Diagnostic Laboratories
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• On June 24, 2022, Berry Oncology introduced a new HIFI Pan-Cancer Screening system that is capable of identifying six types of cancer that are common in China. This highly accurate screening technology is based on the company's HIFI platform. The six cancers that can be detected are liver cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and lung cancer.
• On July 3, 2023, Helio Genomics, an innovator of genomic AI-based cancer detection assessments, revealed that its affiliate LAMH had received authorization from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in China for its pioneering cfDNA liver cancer detection test. The approval marks a major milestone in the area of blood-based cancer examination and is the initial liver cancer liquid biopsy test accepted by the NMPA.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global liver cancer diagnostics market segmentation based on the test type, end user, and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of liver cancer diagnostics market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global liver cancer diagnostics market report would provide approximately 53 tables, 50 figures, and 195 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies