Global Market Size, Forecast, and Trend Highlights Over 2025-2037
Cancer Stem Cells Market size was over USD 3.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 10.3 billion by the end of 2037, expanding at a CAGR of 9.7% during the forecast timeline, i.e., 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of cancer stem cells is evaluated at USD 3.7 billion.
The increasing global cancer burden is driving demand for advanced treatment options, significantly contributing to the growth of the cancer stem cells market. As per W.H.O., in 2022, globally, there were an estimated 20 million new cases of cancer and 9.7 million deaths. CSCs are responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis, and drug resistance, making them a critical target in oncology research. As conventional therapies often fail to eliminate CSCs, there is a rising demand for targeted therapies. This has led to increased R&D investments, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals, accelerating market expansion and innovation.
Additionally, the rising adoption of personalized medicine is driving the growth of the cancer stem cells market by enabling targeted and more effective treatments. CSC-targeted therapies align with precision medicine, which tailor treatments based on a patient’s genetic and molecular tumor profile. This approach enhances treatment efficacy, reduces side effects, and minimizes tumor recurrence. As healthcare shifts towards individualized therapies, investments in CSC research, clinical trials, and innovative drug development are increasing, further expanding the cancer stem cells market.
Cancer Stem Cells Sector: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
- Increasing investment in oncology R&D: Pharmaceutical and biotech companies are heavily investing in CSC-based therapies to develop novel cancer treatments, significantly driving cancer stem cells market growth. For instance, Pfizer acquired Seagen for USD 229 per share, totaling USD 43 billion, with both boards unanimously approving the merger. Investments in cutting-edge research and clinical trials target cancer stem cells, enhancing innovation and commercialization of CSC-based therapies through collaborations between government, academia, and industry to expand treatment options.
- Growing demand for targeted cancer therapies: Conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, often fail to eliminate cancer stem cells (CSCs), leading to tumor recurrence and treatment resistance. This limitation is driving demand for targeted CSC therapies, which provide a more effective and long-lasting solution by addressing the root cause of tumor regeneration. As a result, pharmaceutical companies and research institutions are increasing investments in CSC-targeted drugs, accelerating clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and cancer stem cells market expansion for innovative oncology treatments.
Challenge
- Complexity of cancer stem cell biology: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit plasticity, enabling them to alter their characteristics and evade treatments, making them highly resistant to conventional therapies. Their heterogeneity and adaptability create challenges in developing consistent, targeted treatments, as CSCs can evolve in response to therapeutic interventions. This complexity slows drug development, increases clinical trial failures, and necessitates continuous research to identify effective strategies. Overcoming CSC plasticity remains a major hurdle in advancing successful and long-lasting cancer treatments.
- Risk of tumor recurrence and resistance: Even with targeted therapies, cancer stem cells (CSCs) can develop resistance mechanisms, allowing them to survive and regenerate, ultimately leading to tumor relapse. This challenge requires continuous innovation in treatment strategies, such as combination therapies that target multiple pathways simultaneously. Researchers are exploring immunotherapy, gene editing, and novel drug formulations to counteract resistance. Advancing these approaches is crucial to improving long-term patient outcomes and ensuring more effective, durable cancer treatments in the future.
Cancer Stem Cells Market: Key Insights
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
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CAGR |
9.7% |
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Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 3.4 billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 10.3 billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Cancer Stem Cells Segmentation
Cancer Forms (Breast, Blood, Lung, Brain, Colorectal, Pancreatic, Bladder, Liver Others)
Based on cancer forms, the breast segment is expected to hold over 28.5% cancer stem cells market share by the end of 2037. The segment is growing due to heightened prevalence around the world. For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence rate of metastatic female breast cancer in the U.S. rose over the past 20 years, reaching 7.9 cases per 100,000 in 2021. Conventional treatments often fail to eliminate CSCs, leading to relapses. Targeted therapies offer a more effective solution by directly attacking CSCs, improving treatment outcomes. Increasing R&D investments, advancements in precision medicine, and growing clinical trials focused on CSC-targeting drugs are driving the segment’s dominance and accelerating the cancer stem cells market expansion.
Mode of Action (Targeted Cancerous Stem Cells (CSCs), Stem Cell Usage Against Cancer)
By mode of action, the targeted cancerous stem cells (CSCs) segment is set to garner the majority of cancer stem cells market share over the forecast period. The segment’s growth is attributed to its potential to address tumor recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Conventional treatments often fail to eliminate CSCs, leading to relapses. Targeted therapies offer a more effective solution by directly attacking CSCs, improving treatment outcomes by restoring the patient’s ability to regenerate healthy tissues and immunity. Increasing R&D investments, advancements in precision medicine, and growing clinical trials focused on CSC-targeting drugs are driving the segment’s dominance and accelerating cancer stem cells market expansion.
Our in-depth analysis of the global market includes the following segments:
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Mode of Action |
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Cancer Forms |
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Customize this ReportCancer Stem Cells Industry - Regional Synopsis
North America Market Statistics
North America in cancer stem cells market is likely to hold more than 39.2% revenue share by 2037. The region is facing a significant rise in cancer cases, leading to an increased demand for advanced therapies that target tumor progression and recurrence effectively. By March 2025, 1 in every 8 women in the U.S. is anticipated to be diagnosed with breast cancer, where invasive breast cancer is projected to affect 2,800 men and 316,950 women. Thus, the focus on cancer stem cells (CSCs) is essential, as they contribute to cancer growth and treatment resistance. Furthermore, heightened awareness of early detection is driving the need for CSC-targeted therapies, which improve treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes.
The U.S. leads in biomedical research, with strong investments from pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and private institutions. Research America reported that from 2016 to 2020, the industry raised its funding for medical and health R&D by 42.8%, while the federal government grew its allocations by 53.5%. Funding from organizations such as the National Cancer Institute (NCI) accelerates cancer stem cell (CSC) research, clinical trials, and drug development. Numerous CSC-focused R&D projects, backed by top academic institutions and research collaborations, attract further investment, enhance innovation, and expedite market adoption, driving growth in the U.S. cancer stem cells market.
Canada is a hub for oncology clinical trials, with leading research centers and hospitals conducting cancer stem cell (CSC)-focused studies. These trials validate CSC therapies, attracting pharmaceutical investment and accelerating commercialization. Simultaneously, Canadian biotech companies leverage AI to advance in CRISPR gene editing and stem cell technology, developing efficient drugs. These innovations enhance drug discovery frequency and quality, speeding up development and regulatory approvals and ultimately driving growth in the market in Canada.
APAC Market Analysis
The APAC cancer stem cells market is set to experience the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The region faces a rising cancer burden due to aging populations, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors, driving demand for advanced cancer stem cell (CSC)-targeted therapies. According to NLM in June 2022, Asia had a cancer incidence of 169.1 per 100,000 people in 2020, which accounted for 49.3% of all cancers worldwide. Governments and private investors are heavily funding cancer research and biotechnology advancements, with countries such as China, Japan, and India expanding their research capacities. This strong financial support is accelerating innovation and cancer stem cells market growth while improving patient survival rates and reducing relapse risks.
The adoption of precision medicine in China is driving cancer stem cell (CSC) research, enabling personalized treatments through genetic and molecular profiling. This enhances therapy effectiveness and patient outcomes. Additionally, China has introduced fast-track approval policies and incentives for stem cell research, accelerating the development of CSC-based therapies. These supportive regulations encourage pharmaceutical investments, boost clinical trials, and expedite commercialization, positioning China as a key player in the global cancer stem cells market and driving its rapid growth.
Pharmaceutical and biotech industries in India are rapidly driving the growth of the market through advancements in drug discovery, stem cell research, and regenerative medicine. The country is emerging as a key hub for oncology clinical trials, benefiting from a large, genetically diverse patient pool and a cost-effective research environment. Pharmaceutical companies and research institutes are actively conducting trials focused on CSCs, which accelerates drug validation and commercialization, ultimately enhancing treatment options and expanding the CSC market. For instance, in July 2024, Bioserve India launched advanced stem cell products to support research and drug development in the country.
Companies Dominating the Cancer Stem Cells Landscape
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
- AbbVie, Inc.
- Merck KGaA
- Bionomics
- Lonza
- The Menarini Group
- Miltenyi Biotec
- PromoCell GmbH
- MacroGenics, Inc.
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- STEMCELL Technologies.
Key companies in the cancer stem cells market are innovating advanced therapies, including targeted immunotherapies, gene editing, and novel drug delivery systems. They are leveraging AI for drug discovery, enhancing stem cell identification techniques, and developing personalized treatments. Collaborations with research institutions and biotech firms are accelerating clinical trials. Additionally, companies are focusing on combination therapies and biomarker-driven approaches to improve efficiency, reduce side effects, and enhance patient outcomes in cancer treatment. Such key players are:
In the News
- In February 2025, AbbVie and Xilio Therapeutics’ collaboration on tumor-activated immunotherapies, utilizing innovative antibody-based technologies, is set to enhance treatment options, significantly contributing to the growth of the Cancer Stem Cells Market.
- In December 2024, Merck announced the acquisition of HUB Organoids, enhancing the cancer stem cells market by utilizing organoid models to accelerate drug development, improve disease understanding, and minimize animal testing reliance.
Author Credits: Radhika Pawar
- Report ID: 7391
- Published Date: Mar 26, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
