Primarily caused by lifestyle changes, environmental factors, and an aging population, cancer poses a significant social and healthcare burden in India, creating a rising demand for advanced oncology diagnostic and treatment services. Against this backdrop, India’s oncology tests market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 2 per cent through 2033, forecasts GlobalData.
GlobalData’s research reveals that India accounted for over 3 per cent of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) oncology tests market in 2024. But, by accelerating efforts to develop innovative solutions and support cutting-edge research, India aspires to increasingly address the healthcare needs of both its own population and global communities.
Recently, Bengaluru-based genomics and bioinformatics company Strand Life Sciences, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, has introduced an innovative blood-based test for early detection of multiple cancers. Named CancerSpot, this test utilizes advanced methylation profiling technology, a globally recognized method, to detect tumor DNA fragments in the bloodstream.
Shreya Jain, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments, “Oncology tests in India face several challenges related to access, affordability, and technological adoption. Because of inadequate infrastructure and expertise, the adoption and integration of new approaches like AI-assisted diagnostics, precision medicine, and minimally invasive therapies are low.”
CancerSpot’s signatures, developed using Indian cohorts, have demonstrated reliability and adaptability across diverse global ethnicities. This test offers an accessible and convenient option for routine and proactive cancer screening. Strand’s new Genomics Diagnostics & Research Centre will further play a pivotal role in driving research and innovation in oncology, expediting the development of advanced diagnostic solutions, and addressing the healthcare needs of both Indian and global populations.
Jain concludes, “Tailored diagnostics, like genomic tests calibrated for Indian cohorts, can enhance early detection accuracy, improve risk stratification, and ensure that treatments align with the unique genetic profiles of Indian patients. This not only helps improve survival rates in India but also contributes to the global understanding of cancer biology.”