Brain Cancer Diagnostics Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Diagnostic Type (Imaging Test, Lumbar Puncture, Biopsy, Molecular Testing, Others), By Tumor Type (Metastatic, Meningioma, Glioblastoma, Pituitary Endoma, Others), By End User (Hospitals, Diagnostics Centers, Others), By Region, and By Competition 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 3.67 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.13%
Fastest Growing Segment	Imaging Test
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 4.68 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Brain Cancer Diagnostics Market will grow from USD 3.67 Billion in 2025 to USD 4.68 Billion by 2031 at a 4.13% CAGR. Brain cancer diagnostics encompass a range of medical technologies and procedures, including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and molecular testing, designed to detect and characterize intracranial neoplasms. The primary driver for this market is the rising demand for early and precise disease identification, fueled by an aging global population and the increasing prevalence of central nervous system disorders. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2025, an estimated 24,820 malignant tumors of the brain or spinal cord will be diagnosed in the United States, underscoring the critical need for effective diagnostic solutions.

Despite the positive growth trajectory, the market faces a significant challenge regarding the high cost of advanced diagnostic procedures. The substantial financial burden associated with high-resolution imaging and genomic profiling often limits patient access and adoption rates, particularly in regions with restricted healthcare reimbursement frameworks. This economic barrier constitutes a major restraint that could impede the widespread global expansion of these essential diagnostic tools.

Key Market Drivers

The Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostic Workflows significantly enhances the precision and efficiency of identifying intracranial neoplasms, positioning it as a primary market driver. AI algorithms are increasingly deployed to automate the complex segmentation of tumors in MRI scans, distinguishing between malignant tissue, edema, and healthy brain matter with greater accuracy than manual interpretation. This technological shift addresses the critical need for speed in treatment planning while reducing inter-observer variability among radiologists. According to Sora Neuroscience, June 2025, in the announcement regarding FDA clearance for its Cirrus Resting State fMRI Software, the new AI-based technology was designed to rapidly map critical brain functions, thereby refining surgical decision-making and improving safety profiles for tumor resections.

Concurrently, the Growing Adoption of Non-Invasive Liquid Biopsy Techniques is transforming the market by offering safer alternatives to high-risk surgical biopsies. These advancements facilitate the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) through the blood-brain barrier, enabling real-time monitoring of disease progression and molecular profiling without invasive cranial procedures. According to the Brain Tumor Funders' Collaborative, September 2025, in a press release regarding research grants, the organization awarded $1 million to multi-institutional teams specifically to advance liquid biopsy technologies for diagnosing primary brain tumors. This innovation is underpinned by substantial sector-wide investment; according to the National Brain Tumor Society, in 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was projected to fund $518 million in brain cancer research, reflecting the critical financial support driving these diagnostic capabilities forward.

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Key Market Challenges

The high cost of advanced diagnostic procedures presents a significant barrier to the expansion of the Global Brain Cancer Diagnostics Market. Modern modalities, such as high-field magnetic resonance imaging and molecular biomarker profiling, require substantial capital investment, leading to elevated prices for patients and healthcare providers. In developing regions and countries with limited reimbursement frameworks, these expenses restrict access to essential testing, effectively preventing the widespread adoption of these tools. Consequently, the market struggles to penetrate price-sensitive segments, limiting revenue growth primarily to developed economies with robust healthcare funding.

This economic challenge is particularly limiting given the large volume of patients requiring accurate differentiation of intracranial neoplasms. The high price point creates a bottleneck for the potential demand arising from the prevalence of these conditions. According to the 'National Brain Tumor Society', in '2024', an estimated 90,000 primary brain tumors were diagnosed in the United States. This figure underscores the extensive clinical need for diagnostics that remains partially unaddressed due to cost constraints, directly hampering the market's ability to fully capitalize on the rising incidence of central nervous system disorders.

Key Market Trends

The Implementation of DNA Methylation Profiling is redefining the molecular classification of central nervous system tumors, offering superior diagnostic resolution compared to traditional histopathology. This epigenetic approach analyzes chemical modifications on DNA to identify distinct tumor entities, particularly in complex cases where standard microscopic examination is inconclusive. By integrating methylation signatures into diagnostic protocols, clinicians can achieve higher accuracy in sub-typing gliomas and embryonal tumors, directly influencing personalized therapeutic strategies. According to the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), December 2025, in the 'AI-supported molecular cancer diagnosis for brain tumors' press release, the latest version of its Heidelberg CNS Tumor Methylation Classifier can now identify more than 180 tumor types, representing a twofold increase in recognizable entities compared to the previous version, thereby significantly expanding the scope of precise molecular diagnosis.

Concurrently, the Rise of Point-of-Care Diagnostic Solutions is democratizing access to neuroimaging by deploying portable, low-field magnetic resonance imaging systems in critical care settings. Unlike conventional high-field MRI, which requires shielded suites and patient transport, these mobile units can be brought directly to the bedside in intensive care units and emergency departments, facilitating rapid assessment of brain pathology. This trend addresses the bottleneck of limited scanner availability and reduces the logistical risks associated with moving critically ill patients. According to Fierce Biotech, July 2025, in the 'Hyperfine begins rolling out its next-gen MRI scanner-on-wheels' report, Hyperfine initiated the commercial deployment of its next-generation Swoop portable MRI system following FDA clearance, a development specifically aimed at expanding the availability of immediate neuroimaging in resource-constrained clinical environments.

Segmental Insights

The Imaging Test segment represents the fastest-growing category within the global brain cancer diagnostics market, driven by the critical necessity for precise tumor localization and early disease detection. This rapid expansion is fueled by the widespread adoption of non-invasive modalities, particularly Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT), which remain indispensable for initial screening and surgical planning. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence into diagnostic workflows significantly enhances image sensitivity and interpretation speed. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to clear advanced imaging software, thereby increasing clinical confidence and accelerating the segment’s adoption in healthcare facilities worldwide.

Regional Insights

North America leads the global brain cancer diagnostics market due to its developed healthcare infrastructure and substantial investment in medical research. The region faces a high incidence of central nervous system tumors, creating strong demand for accurate detection methods. This market position is sustained by favorable reimbursement structures and extensive funding from institutions such as the National Cancer Institute. Furthermore, the active presence of major medical technology companies and the proactive regulatory framework of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration facilitate the rapid commercialization of diagnostic solutions.

Recent Developments

• In November 2025, healthcare technology company GenomOncology formed a strategic partnership with the Glioblastoma Foundation to enhance genomic testing capabilities for patients with malignant brain tumors. This collaboration integrates the company's precision oncology software platform into the Foundation's newly established clinical laboratory, streamlining the analysis of complex genomic data derived from patient samples. The initiative aims to accelerate the delivery of automated variant interpretations and personalized therapy recommendations, directly addressing the critical need for rapid and accurate molecular diagnostics in the Global Brain Cancer Diagnostics Market.
• In July 2025, the liquid biopsy developer Dxcover revealed its strategic plans to launch a novel spectroscopic diagnostic test for brain cancer in the United Kingdom and the European Union later that year. The announcement followed the successful completion of a extensive clinical study involving over 2,500 patients, which validated the performance of the company's infrared spectroscopy-based platform for detecting brain tumors. Additionally, the company inaugurated a new laboratory facility in Tennessee to support validation studies for the United States market, targeting a commercial launch for American healthcare providers by 2027.
• In January 2025, Foundation Medicine received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its FoundationOne CDx test to serve as a companion diagnostic for a targeted pediatric brain cancer therapy. This regulatory milestone enables the comprehensive genomic profiling assay to identify patients with relapsed or refractory pediatric low-grade glioma who harbor specific BRAF fusions or rearrangements. By accurately detecting these genetic alterations, the diagnostic tool allows clinicians to prescribe tovorafenib, a targeted treatment, thereby facilitating a more personalized approach to managing this common childhood brain tumor.
• In January 2024, researchers at Imperial College London, in collaboration with the diagnostic company Datar Cancer Genetics, announced the validation of a breakthrough liquid biopsy test for glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, demonstrated that the TriNetra-Glio blood test could accurately detect circulating tumor cells released by glial tumors, distinguishing them from healthy tissue. This non-invasive diagnostic method offers a significant advancement for the Global Brain Cancer Diagnostics Market by potentially reducing the need for high-risk surgical biopsies, particularly for patients with inaccessible brain tumors.

Key Market Players

• GE Healthcare Inc
• Koninklijke Philips NV
• Siemens Healthineers AG
• Fujifilm Corp
• Hitachi, Ltd.
• Hologic Inc
• NantOmics LLC
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc

By Diagnostic Type	By Tumor Type	By End User	By Region
Imaging Test Lumbar Puncture Biopsy Molecular Testing Others	Metastatic Meningioma Glioblastoma Pituitary Endoma Others	Hospitals Diagnostics Centers Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Brain Cancer Diagnostics Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Brain Cancer Diagnostics Market, By Diagnostic Type:

• Imaging Test
• Lumbar Puncture
• Biopsy
• Molecular Testing
• Others

• Brain Cancer Diagnostics Market, By Tumor Type:

• Metastatic
• Meningioma
• Glioblastoma
• Pituitary Endoma
• Others

• Brain Cancer Diagnostics Market, By End User:

• Hospitals
• Diagnostics Centers
• Others

• Brain Cancer Diagnostics Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE