TRENDS & PERSPECTIVES

In an effort to analyze the current IVD market for cancer detection and treatment, Kalorama Information conducted a study that examined how the global diagnostic community can expand to diagnose cancer patients as their numbers increase in the next 5–10 years. The study produced “The Worldwide Market for Cancer Diagnostics, 3rd ed.,” a report that focuses on IVD strategies for cancer in asymptomatic patients, high-risk patients, and patients suspected of having cancer.

Although North America, Japan, and the EU are the focus of the market report analysis, the study acknowledges the importance of innovative, cost-efficient biotechnology to the entire global community. An aging population, a largely unhealthy lifestyle, high healthcare costs, and limited research capabilities are the primary contributions to the predicted global increase in cancer patients.

To counteract the deleterious effect of such contributions, IVD manufacturers are increasing their efforts to develop new technologies for early cancer detection, disease prognosis, and therapy selection. New developments also provide advances in disease management guidelines and care pathways to help physicians reduce the morbidity and mortality from cancer.

The use of pharmacogenetics in evaluating at-risk cancer patients is still in the development stage. However, daily announcements of new links between genes and cancers are proof that this area of cancer research is progressing steadily. The study also suggests the use of bioinformatics to evaluate the medical efficacy of a new test or device.

According to the study, the worldwide cancer IVD market will see 11% overall annual growth over the next five years, and cancer IVDs used on a routine basis will grow from $4.7 billion to $7.8 billion by 2012. The report also indicates that the commercialization of more effective cancer tests may carry a high cost, and many countries are not prepared to cover the new approaches to patient management. As a result, IVD manufacturers must prove their new devices are not only effective, but also supply a cost-efficient alternative.

Additional information about this market study and industry projections can be accessed at Kalorama Information’s Web site at www.kaloramainformation.com.