About the Report
The adoption of fiducial markets in offering efficient radiation-therapy continues to witness an uptake. Although 2020 is an outlier due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare sector is likely to witness greater investments into quality care. This will be made possible by a combination of public-private partnership, especially in countries, where public healthcare needs support. Future Market Insights, in its latest edition of the study offers detailed analysis for the period 2020-2030, with in-depth analysis on the COVID-19 impact.
Introduction
Despite the ravaging impact of COVID-19 on the global economy, the fiducial markers market is not likely to be affected in the future. In 2019, the market was valued at over US$ 100 Mn, and is projected to reach nearly US$ 260 Mn by 2030.
Growth in the market is underpinned by accelerating efforts to find potential cures for various debilitating chronic conditions, mostly cancers. Amongst all cancers, the prostate cancer segment is witnessing prolific developments with regard to incorporation of new fiducial marker technologies.
Metal fiducial markers, especially pure gold markers are witnessing heightened adoption across numerous surgical procedures. The market is expected to grow at a value CAGR of over 8% across the forecast period.
Increasing Burden of Cancers
According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the 2nd leading cause of deaths globally, with nearly 10 million deaths in 2018. Furthermore, nearly 70% of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries. However, the incidence has also increased across the developed world.
Lung and breast cancers are the major types of cancers afflicting adults across the world, amounting to over 4 million cases. Realizing this, healthcare organizations and governments are bolstering efforts to develop highly sophisticated approaches to reduce this burden.
Evidence suggests that aggressive treatments involving radiation prolongs survival of select patients suffering from Stage IV non-small lung cancer with limited spread to a small number of metastases outside the lungs. Simultaneously, open surgery has proven effective for addressing early stage cervical cancers. Based on this, demand for fiducial markers is rising.
Growing Preference for Stereotactic Radiation
Since 2019, researchers are touting stereotactic radiation as an effective remedy against several debilitating cancers. These surgeries are highly precision-based, meaning there is minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues, thus reducing risks of side-effects. This approach is highly effective in patients suffering from oligometastatic diseases.
In a phase II trial to determine the effectiveness of this approach, the primary cancers taken into account were those of the lungs, breasts, prostate gland and colorectal. The test, conducted across 99 patients, revealed that survival rates were over a year and 41 months longer as opposed to 28 months in the standard care group.
Thus, to execute this treatment approach effectively, healthcare providers have increased their investment in high-end equipment which has ultimately provided traction to the fiducial markers market.
High Demand for Precision-based Imaging Modalities
As global healthcare advances, the demand for precision-based surgeries is experiencing a steep incline. Precision medicine is imperative to ensure timely treatment and diagnosis of various chronic conditions. In an era of unprecedented data analytics, healthcare providers are finding it easier to implement the same to achieve quicker results.
Oncology is a major beneficiary of advanced imaging modalities. As efforts to reduce mortality rates accelerates, deployment of sophisticated imaging technologies are laying fertile ground for fiducial marker sales in upcoming years.
Significant developments have occurred in fiducial markers for image guided radiotherapy to enhance precision for upper gastrointestinal malignancies. A study on an 89-year-old male patient with localized gastric cancer affirmed the effectiveness of this technology in tumor delineation nearly a decade ago.
Invasive Nature of Implants to Restrict Adoption
Fiducial marker placement has several drawbacks. A major shortcoming of this procedure is its invasive nature and thus not applicable to all patients. Furthermore, fiducial markers distort image quality during scanning, rendering tumor delineation a challenge.
An extensive study conducted in 2012 on the efficacy of transrectal fiducial marker insertion for prostate cancer image-guided radiotherapy revealed that out of the 234 patients analyzed, 75 of them develop at least one symptom post-surgery. These manifested into hematuria, rectal bleeding and dysuria.
The study also concluded that 3-4% of the patients experienced shivers and fevers besides pain and obstruction. Such problems are likely to hinder adoption of fiducial markers in the long-run forecast period.
Fiducial Markers Market- Region-wise Analysis
North America Fiducial Markers Market
In 2019, North America accounted for nearly 30% of the global fiducial markers market revenue, driven by increased awareness about advanced cancer treatment and diagnostic procedures.
According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 2 million new cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed in 2020, with fatalities projected to surpass 600 thousand, which translates into over a thousand deaths per day. Therefore, efforts are underway to accelerate cancer research at all levels.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has developed comprehensive approaches for preventing and controlling incidence of cancer at the regional level. Through its National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, it is promoting research on colorectal, lung, gynecologic and prostate cancers among others.
Attributed to these developments, the market for fiducial markers is expected to gain further traction across North America in the forthcoming decade.
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Europe Fiducial Markers Market
Europe is expected to be the 2nd largest fiducial markers market, generating an identical revenue share as North America. Presence of robust governmental frameworks is promoting advanced research in cancer diagnosis and treatment throughout Europe.
The European Society for Medical Oncology is an important regulatory body governing the best clinical practice guidelines to be implemented while treating cancer patients. The organization has provided tremendous assistance to oncology professionals since the COVID-19 pandemic’s outbreak.
The organization ensures that continuum of care is maintained while ensuring that practitioners come in minimal contact to offset the risk of COVID-19 infections. It directs all medical staff to wear personal protective equipment while administering treatment and follow basic hygiene procedures.
Special care is to be taken for patient suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by implementing measures such as virtualization of appointments, home blood sampling and drug delivery and intravenous therapies. All these are expanding scope of fiducial marker sales across Europe.
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East Asia Fiducial Markers Market
East Asia is expected to generate credible expansion opportunities, owing to growing opportunities for lung and throat cancer treatments. This is largely a result of increased fatalities arising as a result of excessive tobacco consumption.
In China, for instance, more than a quarter of the population aged above 15 years are addicted to smoking. Additionally, over 50% of adults are exposed to second hand smoke at their workplace, over 70% at restaurants and nearly 13% in public transport.
Naturally, mortality rates are rising exponentially. This is prompting the government and healthcare providers to invest in advanced cancer treatment approaches, thus paving the way for increased sales of fiducial markers for the upcoming forecast period.
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Category-wise Insights
Opportunities Abound for Pure Gold Fiducial Markers
Pure gold fiducial markers are likely to be most extensively deployed for numerous cancer treatment procedures. Gold fiducial markers are highly effective in optimizing target visualization during external beam radiation and brachytherapy procedures. It also reduced patient discomfort.
InnoMedicus is a prominent unique fiducial marker manufacturer, producing the Gold Anchor marker. It is extensively used for Cyberknife treatments of lung, liver, adrenal gland, pancreas and the prostate gland respectively. Over six out of ten cancer procedures are expected to be carried out through gold markers.
Photon Therapy to Retain Lucrativeness
By modality, photon therapy is poised to generate credible growth opportunities for fiducial markers. High precision in terms of detection of malignant cells is a major reason for its uptake. Photons effectively decompose the DNA inside cancer cells, rendering them unable to repair or copy.
However, concerns regarding healthy cell destruction has prompted specialists to opt for alternative treatments. One such approach is proton therapy, which delivers 60% lesser radiation to healthy tissues surrounding the tumor. This lowers risk of radiation damage, rendering it a highly feasible option by practitioners.
High Growth Prospects in Prostate Cancer
By disease site, prostate cancer is likely to remain the principal application area, generating over 70% revenue by the end of 2020. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Hence, treatment for the same is burgeoning.
In June 2020, PMB Alcen unveiled its FLASHKNiFE FlASH Radiotherapy System dedicated to clinical trials for various cancer detection methods. The device is capable of delivering very high dose rates within a fraction of a second, without any damage to healthy tissues. The very short irradiation time eliminates any effect of tumor motion.
Radiotherapy Centers Primary End-Users
Heightened efforts to promote cancer research has led to immense spawning of specialized radiotherapy centers in recent years, thus bolstering applications of fiducial markers to treat different types of cancers. As of 2019, nearly two out of five fiducial marker sales were across radiotherapy centers.
However, hospitals have retained their lucrativeness, comprising nearly a third of total fiducial marker applications that same year. This is mostly a result of increasing government support to facilitate cancer research and development, such as the National Cancer Institute in the United States.
COVID-19’s Impact on the Fiducial Markers Market
The novel coronavirus pandemic has dramatically altered the global healthcare landscape. As prominent healthcare companies accelerate efforts to discover potential vaccines and drugs, with immense pressure being exerted across global hospital infrastructures. In spite of this, the market for fiducial markers has remained strong due to unceasing cancer treatments.
The frequency of radiation therapies have especially surged in recent months. Initially, surgeons were concerned about the fact that since radiation therapy is administered in fractions, patients would have to undertake repeat hospital visits, which would make patients highly susceptible to infection.
This apprehension has prompted hospitals and other healthcare providers to schedule virtual consultations (90-95%) and delay in-person visits when not required. Only those with extremely serious conditions who require to be operated upon are visiting hospitals, thus sustaining demand for fiducial markers.
Numerous guidelines have been implemented by government agencies to make cancer treatment a top priority across all major continents, prompting manufacturers to enhance production and availability of fiducial markers for various surgical procedures.
Fiducial Markers Market- Competitive Landscape
The global fiducial markers market is characterized by the presence of the following prominent manufacturers*:
- Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG
- Innovative Oncology Solutions
- Boston Scientific
- IBA Dosimetry
- Best Medical International, Inc.
- Carbon Medical Technologies
- CIVCO
- alphaXRT,
- Nanovi A/S
- Stellar Medical
*This list is indicative- full details about prominent fiducial markers market players is available upon request.
The aforementioned players deploy numerous tactics to remain afloat in a highly competitive environment, ranging from collaborations and acquisitions to launching technologically sophisticated products for potential clients.
In 2017, Boston Scientific launched its LumiCoilTM platinum fiducial markers, featuring platinum construction designed to provide lucid visibility for the purpose of CT, X-Ray, MRI and CBCT procedures respectively. The objective of this product launch was to provide greater accuracy in radiation delivery.
In September 2020, Eckert & Ziegler announced its collaboration with TCL Healthcare Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. to better run its tumor radiation equipment business. Under this agreement, TCL has acquired a 51% stake in the former.
Innovative Oncology Solutions is yet another prominent manufacturer, marketing standard gold fiducial markers as well as specialty fiducials. The former is knurled to prevent migration, is reasonably priced and comes in a variety of sizes for all imaging modalities.
Fiducial Markers Market- Report Scope
| Attribute | Details |
| Forecast Period | 2020-2030 |
| Historical Data Available for | 2015-2019 |
| Market Analysis | USD Million for Value & Units for Volume |
| Key Regions Covered | North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania and Middle East & Africa |
| Key Countries Covered | Australia, China, Japan, U.S, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain, BENELUX, Russia, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, New Zealand, GCC, Turkey and South Africa |
| Key Segments Covered | Product Type, Modality, Disease Site & End User |
| Key Companies Profiled | Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG, Innovative Oncology Solutions, Boston Scientific, IBA Dosimetry, Best Medical International, Inc., Carbon Medical Technologies, CIVCO, alphaXRT, Nanovi A/S, and Stellar Medical |
| Report Coverage | Market Overview, Key Market Trends, Key Success Factors, Market Value Analysis, Market Background, COVID-19 Crisis Analysis, Segmental Analysis, Regional Profiling, Market Structure Analysis and Competition Analysis |
| Customization & Pricing |
Key questions answered in the report
- How will the fiducial markers market grow until 2030?
The global fiducial markers market was valued at US$ 103.2 Mn in 2019 and is projected to reach US$ 258.8 Mn by 2030, expanding at an impressive value CAGR worth 8.5%. Growth is attributed to increased adoption for treating debilitating cancers
- Which is likely to be the largest market for fiducial markers?
Collectively, North America & Europe are expected to account for nearly three out of five volume sales of fiducial markets by the end of 2020, attributed to major technological advancements in healthcare infrastructure. However, East Asia is expected to surpass both region until 2030
- Which players currently operate in the global fiducial markers market?
Some key players operating within the global fiducial markers landscape include Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG, Innovative Oncology Solutions, Boston Scientific, IBA Dosimetry, Best Medical International, Inc., Carbon Medical Technologies, CIVCO, alphaXRT, Nanovi A/S, and Stellar Medical
- How is COVID-19 impacting the fiducial markers market growth?
The COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated fiducial markers sales as healthcare providers have made cancer treatment their top priority. With strict social distancing and hygiene guidelines in place, hospitals and other healthcare providers are administering timely treatment to afflicted patients, thus keeping demand afloat throughout the remainder of the pandemic’s duration
Enquiry before Buying
- Is the fiducial markers market research conducted by Future Market Insights?
Yes, the global fiducial markers research report has been compiled by expert analysts of Future Market Insights through a combination of primary research and secondary research. To know more about how the research was conducted, you can speak to research analyst.
- What research methodology is followed by FMI?
FMI follows a methodology that encompasses demand side assessment of the market, and triangulates the same through supply side analysis. This methodology is based on use of standard market structure, methods and definitions. Request detailed methodology
- Who are the respondents for primary research?
FMI speaks to stakeholders across the spectrum, including C-level executives, distributors, product manufacturers, industry experts. For a full list of primary respondents, please reach out to us.
- What are the sources of secondary research?
FMI conducts extensive secondary research through proprietary databases, paid databases, and information available in the public domain. We refer to industry associations, company press releases, annual reports, investor presentations, and research papers. More information about desk research is available upon request.
- Is a sample of this report available for evaluation?
Yes, you can request a sample and it will be sent to you through an email.
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Key Segments
Product Type
- Polymer Based Markers
- Metal Based Markers
- Pure Gold Markers
- Liquid Based Markers
Modality
- Photon Therapy
- Proton Therapy
- Tomotherapy
- Cyberknife
Disease Site
- Head & Neck
- Breast
- Lung
- Abdomen
- Prostate
- Kidney
- Cervix or Other Gynecologic Organs
End User
- Hospitals
- Cancer Research Institutes
- Radiotherapy Centers
Region
- North America (U.S & Canada)
- Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina & Rest of Latin America)
- Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K., Spain, BENELUX, Russia & Rest of Europe)
- South Asia (India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia & Rest of South Asia)
- East Asia (China, Japan & South Korea)
- Oceania (Australia & New Zealand)
- Middle East & Africa (GCC, Turkey, South Africa & Rest of MEA)
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by - Sudip Saha, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Future Market Insights
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