LEUKEMIA SCREENING MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Challenges And Opportunities

Global Leukemia Screening Market Drivers

• Increasing incidence of leukemia: The rising prevalence of leukemia, which is a type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow, is a significant driver for the leukemia screening market. The disease is becoming more common globally, thus leading to a greater demand for screening and early detection. For instance, in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society, there will be 60,650 new cases of leukemia cancer in the U.S. with 24,000 of those instances predicted to result in death. Furthermore, according to the same source, 20,050 new cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022.
• Technological advancements in screening techniques: Advances in medical technology have improved the accuracy and efficiency of leukemia screening methods. Newer diagnostic techniques such as flow cytometry (FCM), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and genetic testing enable faster and more precise identification of leukemia, is driving the demand for screening. For instance, on May 18, 2023, Sysmex Corporation, a global leader in vitro diagnostics, launch  its Clinical Flow Cytometry1 System Flow Cytometer XF-1600, Sample Preparation System PS-10, antibody reagents, and other related products in Japan. Clinical FCM testing is used for diagnosis and detailed analysis of hematological diseases such as leukemia and malignant lymphoma.
• Growing awareness and healthcare initiatives: Increased public awareness about the importance of early disease detection and proactive healthcare initiatives by governments and healthcare organizations have contributed to the growth of the leukemia screening market. Efforts to educate the public about the benefits of regular screenings and routine check-ups have led to higher demand for leukemia screening services.
• Aging population: Leukemia is more prevalent among older adults. As the global population continues to age, there is a higher likelihood of developing leukemia. The expanding elderly population is driving the demand for leukemia screening, as early detection is crucial for better treatment outcomes.

Global Leukemia Screening Market Opportunities

• Portable and easy to use leukemia screening devices: Portable and easy to use leukemia screening devices are having a major impact on the global leukemia screening market. These new devices allow for screening to be done almost anywhere by non-medical professionals, thereby greatly expanding the access to screening. This increasing accessibility of screening is identifying many more cases of leukemia than ever before. For instance, screening may only have been done during standard medical exams by doctors. Now, people can proactively monitor their health on their own personalized schedule with a simple prick of blood or saliva sample.
• Point-of-care (POC) testing: POC testing refers to diagnostic tests that can be performed at or near the patient, without the need for specialized laboratory facilities. Developing POC screening tests for leukemia can provide rapid results, thereby allowing for early detection and timely intervention. POC testing can be particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings and remote areas where access to laboratory infrastructure is limited. For instance, in December 2022, Alercell, a life science company, launch the leukemia diagnostic test that is based on sequencing DNA that will detect up to 51 genes mutations in leukemia patients called LENA Q51.
• Expansion in emerging markets: The leukemia screening market has significant growth potential in emerging markets, including countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Rising healthcare awareness, improving healthcare infrastructure, and increasing disposable income in these regions contribute to the expanding market opportunities. Market players can capitalize on these emerging markets by providing accessible and affordable screening solutions.
• Liquid biopsy for leukemia screening: Liquid biopsy is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that involves analyzing circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, or exosomes in a patient's blood or other body fluids. It offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies. Developing and commercializing liquid biopsy-based screening tests for leukemia can simplify the screening process, reduce patient discomfort, and thus potentially enable earlier detection of the disease.

Global Leukemia Screening Market Restraints

• High cost of screening procedures: Leukemia screening procedures, especially those involving advanced technologies and genetic profiling, can be expensive. The cost of equipment, reagents, and specialized personnel required for screening ads to the overall expense. The high cost of screening can limit its accessibility, particularly in resource-constrained settings or for individuals without adequate insurance coverage.
• Lack of awareness and limited access to healthcare: Limited awareness about leukemia and the importance of screening can hinder the demand for screening services. In some regions, there may be a lack of healthcare infrastructure, including screening facilities and trained healthcare professionals, thus resulting in limited access to screening for a significant portion of the population.
• Challenges in interpreting screening results: Interpreting leukemia screening results requires expertise and specialized training. Some screening methods, such as genetic profiling, can generate complex data that need to be accurately analyzed and interpreted. The availability of skilled pathologists and clinicians proficient in interpreting screening results can be a challenge, thereby potentially impacting the accuracy and effectiveness of the screening process.
• Ethical and legal concerns: Leukemia screening involves collecting and analyzing genetic information, which raises ethical and legal concerns regarding patient privacy, informed consent, and data protection. Strict regulations and guidelines govern the collection, storage, and use of genetic information and compliance with these regulations can pose challenges for screening providers.
• Counterbalance: The key market players need to carry out awareness program about the importance of screenings in regions where there is lack of proper healthcare infrastructure with proper trained healthcare professionals. It is also important to have skilled pathologists and clinicians to interpret accurate screening results.