Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Market Research on Size, Growth Trends, Segments, Regions & Competition

The Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Market Report is Segmented by Technology (CTC Enrichment Methods, CTC Analysis/Characterization), Product (Kits and Reagents, Instruments and Devices, Blood Collection Tubes, Software and Services), Specimen (Blood, Bone Marrow, and More), Application (Clinical, Research, and More), End User (Hospitals and Clinics, Diagnostic Laboratories, Research & Academic Institutes, and More), and Geography.

Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Market Size and Share

Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Market Summary
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Compare market size and growth of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Market with other markets in Healthcare Industry

Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The circulating tumor cells market stands at USD 12.85 billion in 2025 and is on track to reach USD 25.36 billion by 2030, supported by a 14.56% CAGR across 2025-2030. 

Demand rises as oncologists shift from invasive tissue biopsies to real-time liquid biopsy tools that capture tumor heterogeneity, trace resistance patterns, and guide rapid therapy changes. Momentum builds around microfluidic platforms that secure higher cell-capture yields without compromising viability, while artificial-intelligence image analysis drives faster interpretation and better accuracy. Asia Pacific registers the strongest uptrend because rising cancer incidence, public screening programs, and venture capital funding shorten technology adoption cycles. Strategy leaders favor alliances with pharmaceutical sponsors so that CTC assays become embedded companion diagnostics, creating long-term reagent demand and locking in the circulating tumor cells market across hospital networks.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By technology, detection and enrichment methods led with 59.2% of circulating tumor cells market share in 2024, while the analysis / characterization segment will expand at a 16.96% CAGR through 2030.
  • By product category, kits and reagents commanded 63.5% of the circulating tumor cells market size in 2024; software and services post the highest 15.84% CAGR to 2030.
  • By specimen, blood supplied 60.4% revenue in the circulating tumor cells market in 2024, and bone-marrow assays are projected to grow at 19.38% CAGR during 2025-2030.
  • By application, research use accounted for 52.8% circulating tumor cells market share in 2024, whereas clinical tests for therapy monitoring rise at 17.42% CAGR across the forecast period.
  • By end user, hospitals and clinics held 39.1% of the circulating tumor cells market share in 2024, while biopharmaceutical companies are projected to advance at an 18.72% CAGR through 2030.
  • By geography, North America retained 44.3% revenue share in 2024, while Asia Pacific is set for a 16.06% CAGR through 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Technology: Analysis/Characterization Unlocks Next-Generation Insight

Detection and enrichment systems generated 59.2% of circulating tumor cells market revenue in 2024. These platforms form the backbone of every workflow because they separate rare tumor cells from billions of blood cells. The circulating tumor cells market size for detection technologies is poised to rise steadily as microfluidic chip designs capture intact cells with higher viability. Novel laser-induced forward-transfer microfiltration reaches 88% capture with 81.3% viability, supporting single-cell sequencing studies.

The analysis/characterization segment grows the fastest at a 16.96% CAGR to 2030. Advances in single-cell multi-omics allow simultaneous DNA, RNA, and protein profiling in individual CTCs revealing drivers of resistance that tissue biopsies may overlook. AI image classifiers shorten turnaround times and reduce manual review errors, making advanced analytics accessible to community labs. Together these capabilities deepen the clinical value proposition and sustain premium pricing inside the circulating tumor cells market.

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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Product: Software and Services Gain Momentum

Kits and reagents held 63.54% of circulating tumor cells market revenue in 2024 because every test requires single-use antibody cocktails, magnetic beads, and staining dyes. Manufacturers roll out reagent bundles targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers which expands utility across metastatic disease.

Software and services rise the quickest at a 15.84% CAGR through 2030. Cloud platforms host secure image libraries, machine-learning models, and automated reporting dashboards. Academic groups share annotated cell images to refine algorithms which improves sensitivity in low-signal samples. Subscription analytics create fresh revenue layers and reinforce customer lock-in within the circulating tumor cells market.

By Specimen: Bone Marrow Shows High Potential

Blood specimens remain the choice for 60.41% of all tests in 2024 because phlebotomy is routine and reimbursement is established. Enhanced immunomagnetic beads and size-based filters push purity past previous benchmarks which keeps demand high.

Bone marrow provides improved sensitivity in hematologic tumors and early-stage metastasis. Its share in the circulating tumor cells market accelerates at 19.38% CAGR. Oncologists accept the more invasive aspiration when they need maximum detection power, especially during minimal residual disease surveillance. Pilot programs confirm that bone marrow CTC counts correlate with relapse risk and guide adjuvant therapy escalation.

By Application: Clinical Use Captures Share

Research projects accounted for 52.8% circulating tumor cells market share in 2024. Grants and pharma partnerships fuel study volumes across metastasis biology, biomarker discovery, and drug-response modeling. Multi-analyte liquid biopsy programs combine CTCs with ctDNA and extracellular vesicles to map tumor evolution more comprehensively.

Clinical applications post the strongest 17.42% CAGR because real-time monitoring supports faster therapy adjustments. Breast and prostate cancer studies show that a twofold rise in CTC counts after cycle one predicts shorter progression-free survival which triggers early regimen switches. Accumulating evidence feeds guideline inclusion and broadens reimbursement, extending the circulating tumor cells market into community oncology.

Market Share
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By End User: Biopharmaceutical Demand Surges

Hospitals and clinics led with 39.1% revenue in 2024 since comprehensive cancer centers deploy in-house platforms for treatment selection and recurrence monitoring. Expanded insurance coverage for specific indications reinforces routine ordering.

Biopharmaceutical companies expand at an 18.72% CAGR. Trial sponsors harvest CTCs for patient stratification, pharmacodynamic endpoints, and mechanism-of-action studies. The circulating tumor cells market benefits from these contracts because each enrolled subject requires serial testing that drives reagent pull-through. Partnerships between kit makers and drug developers also accelerate companion diagnostic approvals.

Geography Analysis

North America commanded 44.28% of circulating tumor cells market revenue in 2024. The region benefits from sophisticated oncology centers, robust payer frameworks, and wide research funding. The FDA continually enlarges its companion diagnostic list which inspires hospital adoption. Rising cancer incidence, projected at two million new US cases in 2025, ensures consistent test volume. Canada shows parallel trends with provincial programs piloting liquid biopsy reimbursement to offset imaging costs.

Europe ranks second. Research networks like the European Liquid Biopsy Society coordinate protocol standardization and proficiency testing across Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. These countries host public-private consortia that evaluate CTC counts alongside radiology data to refine response criteria. Eastern European health ministries modernize oncology departments and increasingly import turnkey CTC analyzers which lifts regional revenues within the circulating tumor cells market.

Asia Pacific is the fastest climber, locked on a 16.06% CAGR to 2030. China directs state and venture capital toward microfluidic manufacturing which lowers platform cost for domestic hospitals. The City University of Hong Kong microfluidics system has already spread to fifty hospitals and inspires further provincial rollouts. Japan and South Korea incorporate continuous centrifugal chips in national cancer centers, while India’s private labs invest in reagent-rental models to expand access. Government screening mandates and population size amplify growth potential across the circulating tumor cells market.

The Middle East and Africa along with South America represent emerging opportunities. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates build specialist cancer institutes equipped with CTC suites as part of national health strategies. Brazil adds liquid biopsy modules to leading oncology hospitals in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. International aid programs bundle compact CTC analyzers with training workshops to improve diagnostic equity and lay the foundation for longer-term expansion.

Growth Rate
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Competitive Landscape

The circulating tumor cells market is moderately concentrated. The leading vendors—Menarini Silicon Biosystems, QIAGEN, Bio-Techne, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Precision for Medicine—dominate industry activity. QIAGEN complements the AdnaTest isolation suite with multiplex RT-PCR panels that detect actionable mutations in the same workflow, extending value for precision oncology programs. Bio-Techne bundles exosome assays with CTC cartridges to offer clinicians a multi-analyte solution. Thermo Fisher partners with the National Cancer Institute to integrate CTC modules into the MyeloMATCH precision umbrella trial which creates real-world validation data and boosts credibility. Precision for Medicine scales reference-laboratory services for pharma customers that prefer outsourced testing.

Emerging innovators introduce differentiated capture surfaces, acoustic-wave focusing chips, and nanostructured substrates that push yield and purity beyond incumbent levels. ANGLE achieved FDA clearance for the Parsortix system in metastatic breast cancer and markets the device for intact CTC harvesting suitable for downstream culture. Sysmex Inostics deploys digital PCR to profile single cells collected with microfluidic chips, building a niche in ultra-sensitive mutation tracking.

Artificial-intelligence providers now sell software add-ons that plug into existing imaging stations and cut manual review time by 60%. As capital equipment prices trend down, suppliers double down on reagent catalog expansion to preserve margins. Service contracts that combine cloud analytics, instrument maintenance, and continuous software updates help retain clients and stabilize revenue flow within the circulating tumor cells market.

Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Industry Leaders

  1. Menarini Silicon Biosystems

  2. QIAGEN

  3. Bio-Techne

  4. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

  5. Precision for Medicine (ApoCell)

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Market Concentration Score
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Recent Industry Developments

  • May 2025: Menarini Silicon Biosystems released an upgraded CellSearch platform with integrated AI image analysis that lifts sensitivity 35% and reduces processing time 40%.
  • February 2025: Thermo Fisher Scientific and the National Cancer Institute expanded the MyeloMATCH umbrella trial to include comprehensive CTC profiling for myeloid cancers.
  • January 2025: ANGLE reported completion of a multi-center study that confirmed broader CTC phenotype capture with the Parsortix PC1 system in metastatic breast cancer.
  • November 2024: City University of Hong Kong announced commercial deployment of its microfluidic CTC platform in more than 50 mainland hospitals funded by the RAISe+ innovation scheme.
  • March 2024: Bio-Rad Laboratories launched validated antibodies for rare cell enumeration on its Genesis Cell Isolation System, improving CTC staining accuracy for tumor heterogeneity studies.

Table of Contents for Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Industry Report

1. Introduction

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Landscape

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Increasing Prevalence of Cancer
    • 4.2.2 Rising Demand for Precision Medicine and Companion Diagnostics
    • 4.2.3 Technological Improvements in CTC Isolation and Detection
    • 4.2.4 Expanding Venture Capital and Government Funding for Oncology Diagnostics
    • 4.2.5 AI-Enabled Microfluidic Chips and Single-Cell Multi-Omics Sequencing
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 High Cost of CTC Instruments and Consumables
    • 4.3.2 Technical Complexity and Lack of Standardization
    • 4.3.3 Competitive Threat from ctDNA and Other Liquid Biopsy Analytes
    • 4.3.4 Limited Awareness and Skilled Workforce in Emerging Markets
  • 4.4 Value Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Technological Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.7.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.7.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. Market Size & Growth Forecasts (Value)

  • 5.1 By Technology
    • 5.1.1 CTC Enrichment Methods
    • 5.1.1.1 Positive Enrichment
    • 5.1.1.2 Negative Enrichment
    • 5.1.1.3 Size-Based Isolation
    • 5.1.1.4 Density-Based Separation
    • 5.1.1.5 Immunomagnetic Separation
    • 5.1.1.6 Microfluidic Chip-Based
    • 5.1.1.7 Other Enrichment Methods
    • 5.1.2 CTC Detection Methods
    • 5.1.2.1 Immunocytochemical Technology
    • 5.1.2.2 Molecular (RNA)-Based Technology
    • 5.1.2.3 Imaging-Based Technology
    • 5.1.2.4 PCR-Based Technology
    • 5.1.2.5 SERS-Based Technology
    • 5.1.2.6 Other Detection Methods
    • 5.1.3 CTC Analysis/Characterization
    • 5.1.3.1 Single-Cell Sequencing
    • 5.1.3.2 Protein Expression Analysis
    • 5.1.3.3 Epigenetic Profiling
  • 5.2 By Product
    • 5.2.1 Kits & Reagents
    • 5.2.2 Instruments and Devices
    • 5.2.3 Blood Collection Tubes
    • 5.2.4 Software and Services
  • 5.3 By Specimen
    • 5.3.1 Blood
    • 5.3.2 Bone Marrow
    • 5.3.3 Other Body Fluids (CSF, Urine)
  • 5.4 By Application
    • 5.4.1 Clinical
    • 5.4.1.1 Early Cancer Screening
    • 5.4.1.2 Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers
    • 5.4.1.3 Therapy Monitoring and Minimal Residual Disease
    • 5.4.2 Research
    • 5.4.2.1 Drug Development and Companion Diagnostics
    • 5.4.2.2 Cancer Stem Cell and EMT Studies
    • 5.4.3 Other Applications
  • 5.5 By End User
    • 5.5.1 Hospitals and Clinics
    • 5.5.2 Diagnostic Laboratories
    • 5.5.3 Research and Academic Institutes
    • 5.5.4 Biopharmaceutical Companies
  • 5.6 By Geography
    • 5.6.1 North America
    • 5.6.1.1 United States
    • 5.6.1.2 Canada
    • 5.6.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.6.2 Europe
    • 5.6.2.1 Germany
    • 5.6.2.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.6.2.3 France
    • 5.6.2.4 Italy
    • 5.6.2.5 Spain
    • 5.6.2.6 Rest of Europe
    • 5.6.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.6.3.1 China
    • 5.6.3.2 Japan
    • 5.6.3.3 India
    • 5.6.3.4 South Korea
    • 5.6.3.5 Australia
    • 5.6.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.6.4 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.6.4.1 GCC
    • 5.6.4.2 South Africa
    • 5.6.4.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa
    • 5.6.5 South America
    • 5.6.5.1 Brazil
    • 5.6.5.2 Argentina
    • 5.6.5.3 Rest of South America

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 ACROBiosystems
    • 6.4.2 Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Inc.
    • 6.4.3 ANGLE plc (Parsortix)
    • 6.4.4 Biolidics Limited
    • 6.4.5 Bio-Techne
    • 6.4.6 BioView
    • 6.4.7 Cell Microsystems (Fluxion Biosciences, Inc.)
    • 6.4.8 CellCarta
    • 6.4.9 Creatv MicroTech, Inc.
    • 6.4.10 Exact Sciences Corporation
    • 6.4.11 LungLIfe AI, Inc.
    • 6.4.12 Menarini Silicon Biosystems
    • 6.4.13 Miltenyi Biotec
    • 6.4.14 NeoGenomics Laboratories
    • 6.4.15 Oncocyte Corporation
    • 6.4.16 Precision Medicine Group, LLC (ApoCell, Inc.)
    • 6.4.17 QIAGEN
    • 6.4.18 RareCyte, Inc.
    • 6.4.19 Sysmex Corporation (Sysmex Inostics GmbH)
    • 6.4.20 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    • 6.4.21 Yishan Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Surexam)

7. Market Opportunities & Future Outlook

  • 7.1 White-Space & Unmet-Need Assessment
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Global Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Market Report Scope

As per the scope of this report, circulating tumor cells (CTC) refer to the tumor cells that air inside the body through the blood circulatory system and lymphatic system. Factors such as the high prevalence of cancer, advancements in biomedical imaging and bioengineering technology, increased demand for preventive medicine, and the need for companion diagnostics drive the circulating tumor cells market globally. The Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Market is segmented by Technology (CTC Enrichment Methods and CTC Detection Methods), Application (Multiple Chromosal Abnormalities, RNA Profiling, Protein Expression, Cellular Communications, and Other Applications), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa and South America). The market report also covers the estimated market sizes and trends for 17 countries across major global regions. The report offers the value (USD million) for the above segments.

By Technology CTC Enrichment Methods Positive Enrichment
Negative Enrichment
Size-Based Isolation
Density-Based Separation
Immunomagnetic Separation
Microfluidic Chip-Based
Other Enrichment Methods
CTC Detection Methods Immunocytochemical Technology
Molecular (RNA)-Based Technology
Imaging-Based Technology
PCR-Based Technology
SERS-Based Technology
Other Detection Methods
CTC Analysis/Characterization Single-Cell Sequencing
Protein Expression Analysis
Epigenetic Profiling
By Product Kits & Reagents
Instruments and Devices
Blood Collection Tubes
Software and Services
By Specimen Blood
Bone Marrow
Other Body Fluids (CSF, Urine)
By Application Clinical Early Cancer Screening
Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers
Therapy Monitoring and Minimal Residual Disease
Research Drug Development and Companion Diagnostics
Cancer Stem Cell and EMT Studies
Other Applications
By End User Hospitals and Clinics
Diagnostic Laboratories
Research and Academic Institutes
Biopharmaceutical Companies
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East and Africa GCC
South Africa
Rest of Middle East and Africa
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
By Technology
CTC Enrichment Methods Positive Enrichment
Negative Enrichment
Size-Based Isolation
Density-Based Separation
Immunomagnetic Separation
Microfluidic Chip-Based
Other Enrichment Methods
CTC Detection Methods Immunocytochemical Technology
Molecular (RNA)-Based Technology
Imaging-Based Technology
PCR-Based Technology
SERS-Based Technology
Other Detection Methods
CTC Analysis/Characterization Single-Cell Sequencing
Protein Expression Analysis
Epigenetic Profiling
By Product
Kits & Reagents
Instruments and Devices
Blood Collection Tubes
Software and Services
By Specimen
Blood
Bone Marrow
Other Body Fluids (CSF, Urine)
By Application
Clinical Early Cancer Screening
Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers
Therapy Monitoring and Minimal Residual Disease
Research Drug Development and Companion Diagnostics
Cancer Stem Cell and EMT Studies
Other Applications
By End User
Hospitals and Clinics
Diagnostic Laboratories
Research and Academic Institutes
Biopharmaceutical Companies
By Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East and Africa GCC
South Africa
Rest of Middle East and Africa
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the circulating tumor cells market worth today and how fast is it growing?

It stands at USD 12.85 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 25.36 billion by 2030, reflecting a 14.56% CAGR.

Which technology segment is rising fastest within the circulating tumor cells market?

The analysis / characterization segment grows at 16.96% CAGR due to advances in single-cell multi-omics and AI-driven analytics.

Why are bone-marrow CTC tests gaining attention?

Bone marrow yields higher tumor-cell concentrations, improving sensitivity for early-stage or minimal residual disease monitoring and driving a 19.38% CAGR.

How do CTC tests support precision oncology?

They deliver real-time, intact cell data that reveal tumor heterogeneity and resistance mechanisms, enabling rapid therapy adjustments.

What remains the main barrier to wider CTC adoption?

High platform and consumable costs paired with complex workflows limit access in resource-constrained settings, though leasing and automation aim to narrow this gap.

Page last updated on: June 3, 2025

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