Liquid Biopsy Market By Sample Type (Blood; Urine; Others); By Biomarker Type (Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs); Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA); Extracellular Vesicles (EVs); Others); By Technology (Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS); Microarray; Others); By Application (Cancer Diagnosis & Monitoring; Non-Oncology Applications; Others); By End-User (Hospitals & Clinics; Diagnostic Laboratories; Academic & Research Institutes; Others); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2032.

Liquid Biopsy Market Size & Overview

The global liquid biopsy market was valued at approximately $6.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around $12.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.5% from 2024 - 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing prevalence of cancer, technological advancements in non-invasive diagnostic techniques, and a rising preference for personalized medicine.

 

Liquid biopsies offer a less invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies, enabling early detection & monitoring of various cancers through the analysis of circulating tumor cells & cell-free DNA in bodily fluids. North America currently holds the largest market share, attributed to high healthcare expenditure, widespread adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies, and supportive government initiatives.

 

The U.S. market benefits from a robust healthcare infrastructure, significant investments in research & development, and supportive regulatory frameworks that facilitate the adoption of innovative diagnostic solutions. Challenges such as high test costs & regulatory hurdles may impact market expansion. Nonetheless, ongoing research & development, coupled with strategic collaborations among key industry players, are anticipated to drive innovation and accessibility in the U.S. liquid biopsy market.

 

The APAC region is expected to witness significant growth due to a large patient population, improving healthcare infrastructure, and increasing awareness about early cancer detection. High test costs and regulatory issues could slow down market growth. However, ongoing research and development, along with strategic partnerships among major industry players, are expected to boost innovation and make liquid biopsies more accessible.

 

Liquid Biopsy Market Dynamics:

Market Drivers

Rising Cancer Incidence & Need for Early Detection

The rising prevalence of cancer worldwide is a major factor driving the liquid biopsy market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 19.3 million new cancer cases globally in 2023, and this number is expected to reach over 28 million by 2040. Liquid biopsy is gaining traction as a non-invasive, highly efficient diagnostic tool that allows for early cancer detection, monitoring treatment response & detecting recurrence. For example, Guardant Health’s Guardant360 test is widely used in detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) in lung cancer patients, significantly improving personalized treatment strategies.

Advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) & Molecular Diagnostics

The integration of next-generation sequencing with liquid biopsy has enhanced the accuracy & efficiency of cancer detection by enabling the simultaneous analysis of multiple biomarkers. Liquid biopsy next-generation sequencing (NGS) holds great promise in therapy selection for oncology, offering non-invasive & real-time insights into tumor genetics. Although there are still some challenges, continuous research & technological advancements are expected to greatly improve the clinical usefulness and accessibility of liquid biopsy Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). This will likely lead to better patient outcomes in cancer care. Additionally, the cost of sequencing has significantly decreased, making liquid biopsy tests more affordable & widely available. In 2022, the cost of whole-genome sequencing fell to approximately $600, compared to $10,000 in 2010. Companies like Illumina & Thermo Fisher Scientific are investing in high-throughput sequencing platforms, making liquid biopsy an attractive option for oncologists & researchers.

 

Market Opportunities

Expansion Beyond Oncology: Infectious Diseases & Transplant Monitoring

While liquid biopsy is predominantly used for cancer detection, its applications are expanding into other areas, such as infectious disease diagnostics & organ transplant monitoring. Companies like Natera Inc. have developed Prospera, a cfDNA-based test that detects organ rejection in transplant patients, reducing the need for invasive biopsies. The global market for non-cancer liquid biopsy applications is expected to grow rapidly, unlocking new revenue streams.

Growing Investments in AI-Powered Liquid Biopsy Platforms

Artificial intelligence & machine learning are revolutionizing liquid biopsy by improving the analysis of complex genomic data. AI-driven liquid biopsy platforms can detect subtle genetic mutations with high accuracy, reducing false positives and negatives. For example, Freenome, a biotechnology company, has developed AI-integrated multi-omics platforms for early cancer screening, attracting over $500 million in funding from investors like Roche and Andreessen Horowitz.

 

Market Challenges

Regulatory & Standardization Challenges

Despite its potential, liquid biopsy faces challenges related to regulatory approvals & standardization. Unlike traditional tissue biopsies, which have well-defined protocols, liquid biopsy tests vary in sensitivity, specificity, & clinical validation. The U.S. FDA has approved only a handful of liquid biopsy tests, such as FoundationOne Liquid CDx, indicating the rigorous approval process that limits market expansion.

High Cost & Limited Insurance Coverage

The cost of liquid biopsy tests remains a significant restraint, particularly in developing economies. A single circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test can cost between $3,000 - $5,000, making it inaccessible for a large patient population. Moreover, insurance reimbursement policies for liquid biopsy are still evolving, leading to inconsistent adoption rates across different regions.

 

Liquid Biopsy Market Segmentation: A Comprehensive Overview

By Sample Type:

• Blood

• Urine

• Others

 

By Biomarker Type:

• Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs)

• Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA)

• Extracellular Vesicles (EVs)

• Others

 

By Technology:

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

• Microarray

• Others

 

By Application:

• Cancer Diagnosis & Monitoring

• Non-Oncology Applications

• Others

 

By End-User:

• Hospitals & Clinics

• Diagnostic Laboratories

• Academic & Research Institutes

• Others

 

By Region:

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

 

Liquid Biopsy Market Segment Analysis: Growth Trends Across Categories

By Sample Type:

Leading Segment: Blood

Blood samples are the leading segment in the liquid biopsy market, accounting for the largest market share. Blood-based liquid biopsy is widely used due to its non-invasive nature, ease of collection & ability to provide a comprehensive overview of a patient's cancer status. Blood samples are commonly utilized to detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) & other biomarkers. This method is highly preferred for cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment response evaluation. As of recent estimates, blood-based liquid biopsy holds approximately 70-75% of the market share. This segment’s dominance is largely attributed to its established clinical utility, particularly in cancers such as lung, breast & colorectal cancers.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Urine

Urine-based liquid biopsy is the fastest-growing sample type in the liquid biopsy market. With an estimated CAGR of 15-20%, urine samples are emerging as a non-invasive alternative to blood for cancer detection and monitoring. The ease of collection and the potential for identifying early-stage biomarkers are key drivers of this growth. This type of biopsy is increasingly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of urinary tract cancers, including bladder cancer. Additionally, advancements in the detection of biomarkers in urine are expected to propel this segment’s growth in the coming years.

 

By Biomarker Type:

Leading Segment: Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA)

Circulating tumor DNA is the leading biomarker type in the liquid biopsy market, holding a dominant market share. ctDNA analysis allows for the detection of genetic mutations & alterations, making it essential for assessing tumor burden & monitoring treatment efficacy in various cancers. ctDNA is particularly effective for tracking real-time changes in tumor genetics, providing insights into therapy resistance & recurrence. This segment is estimated to hold 40-45% of the market share, driven by its widespread use in clinical oncology for personalized treatment plans, especially in cancers like lung, colorectal & breast cancer.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Extracellular Vesicles (EVs)

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are the fastest-growing biomarker type, with an estimated CAGR of 17-20%. Tiny particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs), which include exosomes and microvesicles, are becoming popular because they help cells talk to each other. They're also showing promise in detecting cancer since they can carry genetic material and proteins from tumor cells. This makes them a good option for diagnosing cancer without needing invasive procedures. As scientists learn more about EVs, they are finding more uses for them in early cancer detection & monitoring, especially for solid tumors.

 

By Technology:

Leading Segment: Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a top technology used in liquid biopsies, mainly because it's really good at detecting small amounts of DNA & can check multiple markers at once. It's especially useful for finding changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) & understanding the differences within tumors, which is important for creating personalized cancer treatments. The precision & scalability of NGS make it the most popular technology for liquid biopsy applications, capturing approximately 45-50% of the market share. The demand for NGS is driven by its broad clinical applications in cancer genomics and its ability to offer high-throughput sequencing for complex tumor profiles.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology is the fastest-growing segment in liquid biopsy, expected to experience a CAGR of 14-18%. PCR is used primarily for detecting specific genetic mutations or alterations in ctDNA and CTCs. While NGS remains the dominant technology, PCR’s rapid, cost-effective, and highly sensitive approach makes it increasingly popular for targeted cancer diagnostics. The growth of PCR is propelled by its affordability & its ability to provide quick results, making it a preferred option for point-of-care settings & smaller diagnostic laboratories.

 

By Application:

Leading Segment: Cancer Diagnosis & Monitoring

Cancer diagnosis & monitoring are the leading applications for liquid biopsy, with the largest market share. Liquid biopsy is a non-invasive method that is primarily used for detecting cancer at an early stage, assessing tumor progression, and monitoring treatment responses. This application is projected to capture about 65-70% of the market share due to its clinical utility in cancer diagnostics, especially for lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. The growing focus on personalized medicine & early cancer detection is expected to sustain this segment’s dominance.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Non-Oncology Applications

Non-oncology applications are the fastest-growing segment in the liquid biopsy market, with a projected CAGR of 20-25%. While liquid biopsy is primarily associated with cancer, its potential in non-oncology fields such as infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases & neurological disorders is expanding. As researchers identify more biomarkers for non-cancerous conditions, the demand for liquid biopsy in these areas is expected to surge, driving rapid growth in this segment.

 

By End-User:

Leading Segment: Hospitals & Clinics

Hospitals and clinics are the leading end-users in the liquid biopsy market. They account for a significant share of the market as liquid biopsy testing becomes more integrated into routine clinical practice for cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Hospitals and clinics use liquid biopsy technologies for a wide range of applications, from early detection to monitoring therapy response. This segment holds around 50-55% of the market share due to the increasing adoption of liquid biopsy tests for personalized cancer treatment.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Diagnostic Laboratories

Diagnostic laboratories are the fastest-growing end-user segment, with an expected CAGR of 18-22%. The increasing demand for specialized testing services, particularly for liquid biopsy applications in cancer and genetic testing, is fueling growth in this segment. As the market for liquid biopsy expands, diagnostic laboratories are capitalizing on the opportunity to offer comprehensive testing services, contributing to the robust growth of this sector.

 

By Region:

Leading Region: North America

North America holds the largest market share in the liquid biopsy market, driven by the strong presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure, a large number of research initiatives, and high adoption rates of liquid biopsy technologies in clinical practice. The U.S. is a major contributor to this growth, with a well-established healthcare system and significant investments in cancer research. North America is expected to maintain its leadership, capturing approximately 40-45% of the global market share, as liquid biopsy becomes more integrated into mainstream healthcare.

Fastest-Growing Region: Asia-Pacific

APAC is the fastest-growing region for the liquid biopsy market, with a projected CAGR of 18-23%. The rapid development of healthcare infrastructure, increasing investments in cancer research & growing awareness of liquid biopsy technologies are driving this region’s growth. Countries like China, Japan & India are expected to see significant demand for liquid biopsy services, particularly in cancer diagnosis & monitoring. As healthcare systems in these countries evolve, the liquid biopsy market is set to expand at a robust pace.

 

Key Players in the Liquid Biopsy Market

• Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

• QIAGEN N.V.

• Guardant Health, Inc.

• Illumina, Inc.

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

• Myriad Genetics, Inc.

• Biocept, Inc.

• MDxHealth SA

• Menarini Silicon Biosystems

 

Liquid Biopsy Market Report Coverage

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2023 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2023	USD 6.3 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 12.1 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 11.5% (2023 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2023
Historical Data	2017 – 2021
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2023 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Sample Type, By Biomarker Type, By Technology, By Application, By End User, By Geography
By Sample Type	Blood; Urine; Others
By Biomarker Type	Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs); Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA); Extracellular Vesicles (EVs); Others
By Technology	Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS); Microarray; Others
By Application	Cancer Diagnosis & Monitoring; Non-Oncology Applications; Others
By End User	Hospitals & Clinics; Diagnostic Laboratories; Academic & Research Institutes; Others
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	US, Canada, Germany, China, India, etc.
Market Drivers	Growing adoption of non-invasive diagnostics, increasing cancer prevalence, advancements in liquid biopsy technologies
Pricing and Purchase Options	Customized options available

 

Recent Developments

• In 2024, Guardant Health's Shield colon cancer test received FDA approval, marking a significant advancement in non-invasive colorectal cancer screening.

• In 2023, QIAGEN expanded its liquid biopsy portfolio by launching new assays that improve the detection of circulating tumor DNA, thereby aiding in early cancer diagnosis & monitoring.

• In May 2022, Illumina unveiled a comprehensive cancer genomic profiling test designed to enhance precision oncology by enabling more tailored treatment strategies.

 

Future Outlook

The future outlook for the liquid biopsy market is highly promising, driven by increasing demand for non-invasive cancer diagnostics, advancements in biomarker discovery & the growing adoption of precision medicine. As cancer cases increase worldwide, healthcare providers are looking for less invasive ways to detect it early, which is driving the growth of liquid biopsy solutions. New technologies like next-generation sequencing (NGS) & digital PCR are expected to make these tests more sensitive & accurate. This means liquid biopsies could be used for more than just cancer detection, such as prenatal screening & monitoring organ transplants. Moreover, regulatory approvals & growing investments in research & development will accelerate market growth, making liquid biopsy a standard diagnostic tool in clinical practice. However, challenges such as standardization, validation of clinical efficacy & cost considerations may influence adoption rates. Overall, the liquid biopsy market is projected to witness significant expansion in the coming years, with increasing collaborations between biotechnology firms, healthcare institutions & diagnostic companies shaping the future landscape.