Overview
Cell surface marker detection is a critical process in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics that involves identifying specific proteins, glycoproteins or other molecules on the outer membrane of cells. These markers serve as unique identifiers of cell types, states and functions, enabling researchers and clinicians to distinguish between different cell populations, such as immune cells, cancer cells or stem cells. This detection is vital for diagnosing diseases, classifying cell types and guiding therapeutic decisions, especially in fields like oncology, immunology and regenerative medicine.
The cell surface marker detection market is expected to grow rapidly due to increasing demand for precision medicine, rising incidences of chronic diseases and technological advancements. The market’s expansion is driven by its applications in diagnostics, personalized therapy and drug discovery. Leading technologies like flow cytometry, mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry, along with the growing focus on early disease detection, make this an essential area of investment in both the healthcare and biotechnology industries.
For instance, in August 2024, Agilent Technologies unveiled the latest addition to its portfolio, the NovoCyte Opteon Spectral Flow Cytometer which is capable of simultaneously analyzing over 40 markers, the NovoCyte Opteon enables researchers to conduct large-panel flow cytometry assays and undertake sophisticated cell analysis research.
Executive Summary
Market Dynamics: Drivers & Restraints
Rising applications in personalized medicine
The rising applications in personalized medicine are significantly driving the growth of the cell surface markers detection market and are expected to drive the market over the forecast period. Personalized medicine involves categorizing patients based on specific biomarkers, including cell surface markers, to determine the most effective treatment.
For instance, in cancer treatment, the detection of HER2 markers in breast cancer patients helps identify those who would benefit from HER2-targeted therapies like trastuzumab. Similarly, markers like PD-L1 guide the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in lung cancer. This stratification ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and potentially effective treatment, increasing the demand for accurate cell surface marker detection technologies.
Additionally, the rise in targeted therapies, which are designed to interact with specific cell surface markers, is a cornerstone of personalized medicine. Monoclonal antibodies, CAR-T cell therapies, and small molecule inhibitors are developed to target markers such as CD20, CD19 and EGFR, providing more precise and less toxic treatment options.
In leukemia, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the detection of specific cell surface markers is crucial for monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD), which refers to the small number of cancer cells that remain after treatment and may lead to relapse. Markers like CD19, CD20 and CD34 are used to identify MRD, guiding further treatment decisions and improving patient prognosis. Thus, rising personalized medicine is transforming how diseases are diagnosed, treated and managed, significantly boosting the demand for cell surface marker detection technologies.
Similarly, in multiple sclerosis, CD52 markers are targeted by alemtuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that selectively depletes immune cells contributing to disease progression. These targeted therapies rely on the accurate detection of cell surface markers, which is essential for selecting the right patients and monitoring therapeutic efficacy.
Limited availability of targeted markers
The limited availability of targeted cell surface markers significantly restrains the global cell surface markers detection market by constraining the development and application of advanced detection technologies. Targeted markers are crucial for precise diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies, but their limited discovery and validation can impact the effectiveness and scope of detection methods.
For instance, despite significant advancements in biomarker research, the number of well-validated cell surface markers remains limited. For instance, while markers like PD-L1 and CD19 are well-established and widely used in cancer immunotherapy, there are fewer validated markers for many other cancers or complex diseases. The lack of comprehensive marker panels for various conditions limits the ability to develop targeted detection methods and hinders progress in personalized medicine.
Additionally, discovering and validating new cell surface markers involves extensive research and development, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Identifying novel markers requires large-scale studies and clinical trials to establish their relevance and reliability. For instance, discovering new markers for rare cancers or specific subtypes of diseases often requires significant investment in research and collaboration between institutions.
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Segment Analysis
The global cell surface markers detection market is segmented based on product type, application and region.
Product Type:
The flow cytometers segment is expected to dominate the cell surface markers detection market share
Flow cytometers are a laser-based technology used for cell counting, biomarker detection, cell sorting and protein engineering. It helps identify, characterize and isolate stem and progenitor cells for research and clinical use. The growing adoption of flow cytometry in stem cell research and its increasing applications in clinical research are expected to drive the segment's growth.
Flow cytometers aid in the identification, characterization and isolation of stem and progenitor cells for research and clinical use. It simplifies disease analysis, sample separation and diagnosis, and its increasing applications in clinical research are expected to drive market growth. For instance, in May 2024, Agilent Technologies Inc. unveiled the NovoCyte Opteon Spectral Flow Cytometer, offering configurations ranging from three to five lasers and supporting up to 73 high-quality detectors.
The analysis of cell-surface proteins by flow cytometry produces robust and quantitative information with single-cell resolution and allows live target cells to be purified and characterized or re-cultured. Various studies using antibody screens, proteomics and candidate analysis have identified a comprehensive set of proteins that are expressed on the surface of primed human pluripotent stem cells. For instance, in June 2024, Lund University's Biomedical Centre added a high-tech spectral flow cytometry instrument to its FACS Core Facility, enhancing speed and precision in cell research.
Geographical Analysis
North America is expected to hold a significant position in the cell surface markers detection market share
North America especially the United States leads global efforts in cancer research, with government initiatives such as the "Cancer Moonshot" driving research into immunotherapy, personalized medicine and biomarker detection. Cell surface markers are vital in this field, particularly for identifying specific populations of cancer cells and immune cells (like T cells) for diagnostics, prognostics and therapies. Companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bio-Rad Laboratories and BD Biosciences are headquartered in the United States, dominating the market with cutting-edge technologies for cell marker detection.
For instance, on March 26, 2024, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., launched validated antibodies for rare and circulating tumor cell (CTC) enumeration. Validated for use with Bio-Rad’s Celselect Slides Enumeration Stain Kits, the antibodies are specific to CTC surface markers to enable the sensitive and specific identification of target cell populations, enhancing the study of tumor heterogeneity and disease progression at various stages. Bio-Rad’s Genesis Cell Isolation System captures a wide range of CTCs and other rare cells from liquid biopsy samples. After capture, the cells can be recovered for downstream analysis or immunostained on-slide for immunofluorescence applications such as enumeration and identification of various CTC types.
In North America, the rising prevalence of cancer and chronic diseases has led to increased investment in cell surface marker detection. These markers are crucial for early diagnosis, patient stratification and monitoring treatment responses.
For instance, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), in 2024, roughly 2.0 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States. An estimated 310,720 women and 2,790 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Prostate cancer is the leading cancer diagnosis among men and the second most common diagnosis overall with 299,010 expected cases. Lung and bronchus cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis with an estimated 234,580 new cases.
Additionally, in 2024, an estimated 611,720 people will die of cancer in the United States. Lung and bronchus cancer is responsible for the most deaths with 125,070 people expected to die from this disease. That is nearly three times the 53,010 deaths due to colorectal cancer, which is the second most common cause of cancer death. Pancreatic cancer is the third deadliest cancer, causing 51,750 deaths. This increasing prevalence of cancers and various chronic diseases may increase the demand for the cell surface marker detection market.
North America, particularly the United States has a strong presence of leading biotechnology and life sciences companies, including Bio-Rad Laboratories, Beckman Coulter and Thermo Fisher Scientific, which are continuously launching new products for cell surface marker detection. These advancements often center around flow cytometry and imaging technologies, both crucial for high-throughput and accurate cell marker identification.
For instance, in March 2024, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to distribute its DxFLEX Clinical Flow Cytometer in the United States. Launched regionally in 2020, this advancement brings the popular benchtop IVD flow cytometry system to American labs while expanding testing capabilities. Offering up to 13 colors, additional detectors can be activated as laboratory needs evolve without the need to purchase additional hardware.
Asia-Pacific is growing at the fastest pace in the Cell Surface Markers Detection market
The demand for cell surface markers detection in the Asia-Pacific region, including major countries like China, India, Japan, South Korea and others, is experiencing rapid growth. This growth is driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases, coupled with rising investments in biotechnology and healthcare infrastructure. The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a key region in the global cell surface marker detection market, with the expansion of research and development activities, growing adoption of advanced diagnostics and government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare.
China has one of the highest cancer rates, particularly for lung, breast and gastrointestinal cancers. This has led to a significant increase in demand for early detection technologies, including cell surface marker detection, which is critical for diagnostics and treatment monitoring. China’s government has made substantial investments in cancer research, with institutions like the National Cancer Center of China playing a pivotal role in advancing cancer immunotherapy and personalized medicine.
For instance, according to the National Institute of Health, lung cancer is the most common cancer in China in 2022 (1,060,600 cases), followed by colorectal cancer (517,100 cases), thyroid cancer (466,100 cases), liver cancer (367,700 cases) and stomach cancer (358,700 cases), accounting for 57.42% of total new cancer cases. This is suspected to boost the market in the region.
India is witnessing a rise in cancer cases, particularly breast and cervical cancer. Additionally, the country faces a high burden of infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV. The detection of cell surface markers is essential in both oncology and infectious disease diagnostics. The Indian government, along with private healthcare companies like Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and Biocon, is increasingly focusing on cancer research and diagnostic improvements, which is driving the demand for advanced detection technologies.
For instance, according to the National Institute of Health, in India, the incidence of cancer cases is likely to increase from 1.46 million in 2022 to 1.57 million in 2025. Lung cancer was estimated to be 1,03,371 cases in 2022 and it featured in the top five leading sites for both males and females. The estimates for cancer in India increased by five percent (14,61,427 in 2022 compared to 13,92,179 in 2020). This directly boosts the demand for cell surface markers detection market in India.
China is rapidly advancing its capabilities in precision oncology. With the government’s "Healthy China 2030" plan prioritizing cancer care and innovative treatments, cell surface marker detection has become integral to research and clinical trials. Companies are at the forefront of developing targeted therapies that depend on accurate detection of markers such as PD-L1 and CD20.
Competitive Landscape
The major global players in the cell surface markers detection market include Becton, Dickinson, and Company, NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION, Sysmex Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Nexcelom Bioscience LLC, Beckman Coulter, Inc., Agilent Technologies Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Cytek Biosciences Inc, Miltenyi Biotec and among others.
Scope
| Metrics | Details | |
| CAGR | 8.4% | |
| Market Size Available for Years | 2018-2033 | |
| Estimation Forecast Period | 2025-2033 | |
| Revenue Units | Value (US$ Bn) | |
| Volume (Units) | ||
| Segments Covered | Product Type | Flow Cytometry, Hematology Analyzers, Cell Imaging Systems, Reagents and Kits and Others |
| Application | Disease Diagnosis and Identification, Research & Drug Discovery and Others | |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa | |
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The global cell surface markers detection market report delivers a detailed analysis with 54 key tables, more than 44 visually impactful figures, and 159 pages of expert insights, providing a complete view of the market landscape.
Target Audience 2024
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