Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) and Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Cell Search and Others), By Application (Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment and Other Cancers Diagnosis and Treatment), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2033

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CIRCULATING TUMOR CELLS (CTCS) AND CANCER STEM CELLS (CSCS) MARKET OVERVIEW

The global circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) market size was projected at USD 26.31 billion in 2024 and is expected to hit USD 147.36 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 21.4% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.

Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) and Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are both important concepts in the field of cancer research and have distinct roles in cancer development, progression, and treatment resistance. CTCs are cancer cells that have detached from the primary tumor or metastatic lesions and entered the bloodstream. They are shed into the bloodstream and lymphatic system, allowing them to circulate throughout the body. CTCs are a key component in the process of metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from the primary tumor to distant organs and tissues. CTCs can be detected through a blood test known as a liquid biopsy. Analyzing CTCs can provide information about the presence of cancer, its stage, and potential treatment strategies. CTCs are believed to play a crucial role in metastasis.

Only a small fraction of CTCs survives in the circulation and have the ability to establish secondary tumors in distant organs. CTCs can exhibit heterogeneity, meaning they may have genetic and molecular differences from the primary tumor cells. This heterogeneity can pose challenges in treatment selection. CTCs can exhibit heterogeneity, meaning they may have genetic and molecular differences from the primary tumor cells. This heterogeneity can pose challenges in treatment selection.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Immune System Suppression to Hinder Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden decline in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

COVID-19 is known to affect the immune system, particularly in severe cases. The immune system plays a crucial role in recognizing and eliminating cancer cells, including CTCs and CSCs. If the immune response is compromised due to COVID-19, it could theoretically allow cancer cells to proliferate more easily. The stress and inflammation caused by COVID-19 may indirectly influence cancer progression. Chronic inflammation can create a microenvironment that is conducive to cancer growth and may also affect CSCs. During the height of the pandemic, many healthcare systems faced disruptions, and some cancer patients experienced delays in their treatments, including surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Such delays could potentially allow cancer to progress and CTCs to continue circulating.

LATEST TRENDS

CTC Clusters and Metastasis to Enhance Market Growth

Liquid biopsies, which involve the analysis of CTCs and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from blood samples, continue to gain traction as non-invasive methods for cancer detection, monitoring, and treatment response assessment. These techniques offer a potential alternative to traditional tissue biopsies. Single-cell technologies have advanced significantly, allowing researchers to study individual CTCs and CSCs with higher resolution. This enables a more in-depth understanding of heterogeneity within tumours and may lead to more personalized treatment strategies. Recent research has highlighted the importance of CTC clusters (groups of CTCs) in the metastatic process. Investigating how these clusters form, travel through the bloodstream, and colonize distant organs is a growing area of interest.

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CIRCULATING TUMOR CELLS (CTCS) AND CANCER STEM CELLS (CSCS) MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type market is classified as cell search and others.

By Application

Based on application market is classified as breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment, lung cancer diagnosis and treatment and other cancers diagnosis and treatment.

DRIVING FACTORS

Cancer Progression and Metastasis to Augment Market Growth

Tumours are often composed of a mix of different cell types, including CSCs and non-CSCs. The presence of CSCs contributes to intertumoral heterogeneity, which can affect tumour growth, treatment response, and metastasis. CTCs are a critical component in the process of metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from the primary tumour to distant sites. Factors that promote metastasis, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), can increase the release of CTCs into the bloodstream. Both CTCs and CSCs can develop mechanisms to evade the immune system. For example, they may express immune checkpoint molecules like PD-L1, which can inhibit immune responses and promote immune evasion.

Genetic and Epigenetic Changes to Propel Market Growth

CSCs are often associated with resistance to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. They can possess mechanisms like drug efflux pumps and DNA repair capabilities that make them resilient to treatment. The tumour microenvironment plays a crucial role in regulating CTC and CSC behaviour. Factors like hypoxia, inflammation, and interactions with stromal cells can influence the survival, proliferation, and stemness of these cells. Genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations can drive the development and maintenance of CSCs. These changes may affect pathways related to self-renewal, differentiation, and survival.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

Apoptosis (Cell Death) to Impede Market Expansion

The immune system plays a vital role in recognizing and eliminating CTCs and CSCs. Immune cells, such as cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, can target and destroy cancer cells in circulation or within the tumour microenvironment. Many CTCs and CSCs are susceptible to programmed cell death, known as apoptosis. Apoptotic pathways can be activated to eliminate these cancer cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are characterized by their ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types within the tumour. However, some circulating tumor cells (CTCS) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) market growth may undergo differentiation, losing their stem cell properties and becoming more susceptible to treatment.

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CIRCULATING TUMOR CELLS (CTCS) AND CANCER STEM CELLS (CSCS) MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America to Dominate the Market Due to Advanced Treatments

In breast cancer, CTCs are commonly detected in the bloodstream. These cells can be indicative of disease progression and metastasis. The primary tumour site in the breast is where CSCs are often found, and they are associated with therapy resistance and recurrence. CTCs are frequently observed in the circulation of prostate cancer patients. They are used for monitoring disease progression and treatment response. CSCs in prostate cancer are typically located in the prostate gland and are implicated in treatment resistance. CTCs can be found in the blood of patients with colorectal cancer, particularly in advanced stages of the disease. CSCs in colorectal cancer are often located within the primary tumour and are associated with resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These factors are responsible for vast circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) market share.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Prominent market players are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead of the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolios.

List of Top Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) and Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) Companies

• Janssen (Belgium)
• Qiagen (Netherland)
• Advanced Cell Diagnostics (U.S.)
• ApoCell (U.S.)
• Biofluidica (U.S.)

REPORT COVERAGE

The circulating tumor cells (CTCS) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) industry report anticipates a detailed analysis of the global market size at the regional and national level, the segmentation market growth and market share. The prime objective of the report is to help user understand the market in terms of definition, market potential, influencing trends, and the challenges faced by the market. Aanalysis of sales, the impact of the market players, recent developments, opportunity analysis, strategic market growth analysis, territorial market expansion, and technological innovations are the subject matter explained in the report.