Liquid Biopsy Market Share

Liquid biopsy plays a pivotal role in the identification of specific genomic alterations, offering valuable insights for guiding treatment decisions. This innovative approach allows for real-time monitoring of tumor burden, enabling precise evaluation of recurrence risks in diseases like cancer. The qualitative and quantitative information obtained through liquid biopsy aids healthcare professionals in comprehending any potential resistance mechanisms to drugs. This detailed knowledge assists in determining the most effective course of action for drug regimens, facilitating the creation of customized and personalized treatment plans based on the genetic profiling obtained through liquid biopsy.
The global cancer burden is expected to escalate significantly, with a predicted 50% increase, reaching 15 million new cases by 2020, according to the World Cancer Report by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2012 alone, there were 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths worldwide, a number projected to reach 22 million within the next two decades. Africa, Asia, and Central and South America collectively account for two-thirds of cases and three-fourths of deaths. Specific cancers projected to experience growth include breast cancer, lung and bronchus cancer, prostate cancer, colon and rectum cancer, bladder cancer, melanoma of the skin, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid cancer, kidney and renal pelvis cancer, leukemia, endometrial cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Considering the rising prevalence of these cancers, liquid biopsy emerges as an effective tool with substantial growth potential.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) currently lead in global mortality rates, with an estimated 17.5 million people succumbing to CVDs in 2012, representing one-third of all global deaths. The effectiveness of liquid biopsy in treating these prevalent diseases underscores its growth potential.

The WHO underscores that tobacco use is the foremost avoidable risk factor for cancer mortality globally, claiming around 6 million lives annually from cancer and other related diseases. Additional environmental factors, such as certain infections (hepatitis, human papillomavirus), exposure to ionizing radiation, and pollutants, further contribute to the spread of diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases, creating a conducive environment for the application of liquid biopsy.

Comparing liquid biopsy to traditional tissue biopsies reveals significant advantages. Traditional tissue biopsies, costing between US$15,000 to US$60,000 with a failure rate of approximately 25%, are outperformed by liquid biopsy in terms of sensitivity, detection rates, and lower failure rates. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology employed in liquid biopsies represents a substantial advancement over the Sanger sequencing utilized in tissue biopsies, particularly for detecting low-frequency variants. Moreover, liquid biopsies have substantially reduced the costs associated with traditional tissue biopsies. For instance, Pathway Genomics introduced its first liquid biopsy, Cancer Intercept, priced at a mere $299, while Guardant360 is available for $5,800, presenting a cost-effective alternative to traditional biopsy methods.

In summary, liquid biopsy's ability to offer real-time monitoring, personalized treatment plans, and cost-effectiveness positions it as a critical player in the diagnosis and treatment of prevalent diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. As these health challenges continue to rise globally, liquid biopsy stands out as a valuable and increasingly accessible tool in the medical field.