Market Trends of Genetic Testing Industry
Cancer is Expected to Witness Strong Growth During the Forecast Period
Genetic testing helps identify the risk of various types of cancers that may develop during an individual's lifetime. Genetic tests are available to test inherited variants and mutations in the DNA sequence, which could lead to excessive cell growth and result in tumors or cancer. For instance, genetic testing for the identification of PALB2 (associated with increased risks of breast and pancreatic cancers), CHEK2 (breast and colorectal cancers), BRIP1 (ovarian cancer), and RAD51C and RAD51D (ovarian cancer).
The increasing burden of cancers worldwide and the growing awareness among the global population about preventive diagnosis and personalized medicine are the major factors driving the cancer segment during the forecast period. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2021, approximately 1,898,160 new cancer cases and 608,570 cancer deaths were projected to occur in the United States. Additionally, new cancer incidences were estimated to reach 30.2 million by 2040, as per the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Hence, an increase in the incidence of cancer is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the segment.
Genetic tests aid in providing information on whether cancer runs in the family and the risk factors associated with the development of cancers in the future among individuals with a family history of cancers. Also, genetic testing is performed in patients who do not respond to chemotherapy to identify the presence of acquired mutations in tumors that are resistant to therapy.
Technological advancements and product launches are expected to drive the growth of the segment studied. For instance, in August 2021, Myriad Genetics launched a polygenic breast cancer risk assessment score, MyRisk Hereditary Cancer test with RiskScore, globally, including in Latin America, validated for women of all ancestries and expanded access to genetic testing. This test makes it easier to understand the current and possible complications of the genetic disorder. Hence, it is widely accepted as a suitable approach for genetic testing. Thus, due to the aforementioned factors, the cancer segment is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period.
North America Captured the Largest Market Share and is Expected to Retain its Dominance During the Forecast Period
North America dominates the market for genetic testing currently due to the increasing demand for personalized genetic testing services in the region and the rise in the prevalence of chronic and genetic disorders.
According to the American Cancer Society's 2022 report, estimated new cancer cases will reach up to 1,918,030 in the United States by the end of 2022. Among all cancers, breast cancer has the highest incidence, with 290,560 cases, followed by lung cancer (236,740 cases), prostate cancer (268,690 cases), and colon cancer (106,180 cases).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most clinics and hospitals have restricted in-person delivery of non-essential healthcare services, including genetic counseling, to minimize the transmission of COVID-19. However, deferring genetic counseling can impose difficulties because if genetic testing is not performed on time, it will affect the decision-making during pregnancy or cancer treatment. Hence, though the market studied was hampered during the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation is expected to improve gradually.
The increasing product approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and subsequent launches, along with the high concentration of key players involved in research activities for the innovation of novel genetic testing products, are anticipated to drive market growth in North America. For instance, in October 2021, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd launched AVENIO Tumor Tissue CGP Kit, a comprehensive genomic profiling kit to make tailored cancer research more accessible. This kit provides comprehensive genomic profiling of solid tumors from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. Additionally, acquisitions and expansions are key reasons for the development of the carrier testing segment in Latin America. For instance, in June 2021, Eurofins acquired DNA Diagnostics Center to extend its genetic testing capabilities and join the consumer testing industry. Thus, due to the growing cancer incidence and strategies taken ahead by key players in the region, the genetic testing market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period in North America.
