NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER MARKET ANALYSIS
Global non-small cell lung cancer market is estimated to be valued at USD 26.10 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 49.11 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4% from 2024 to 2031.
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Increasing incidence of lung cancer worldwide due to growing tobacco consumption, rising pollution levels and aging population can drive the non-small cell lung cancer market growth The market growth is driven by increasing research and development activities for novel therapeutics, rising combination therapy and immunotherapy, and growing awareness about early diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, ongoing clinical trials evaluating new drug targets, innovative drug delivery methods and personalized medicine can offer opportunities for non-small cell lung cancer market growth over the forecast period.
Increasing prevalence of non-small cell lung cancer
Increasing prevalence of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases can drive the market growth. NSCLC constitutes around 80-85% of all lung cancer cases, and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. According to the data published by World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.21 million new lung cancer cases were diagnosed in 2020, making it the second most commonly diagnosed cancer globally. Among these, over 1.8 million cases were NSCLC. The high risk of mortality associated with NSCLC, with a 5-year survival rate of around 18-20%, has led to greater emphasis on early detection and effective treatment options. Advanced diagnostic techniques along with improved understanding of NSCLC at the molecular level has enabled targeted therapies. Pharmaceutical companies have correspondingly ramped up research and development of novel drug formulations over the past decade. Some of the newly approved drug regimens have shown promising efficacy outcomes with fewer side effects in clinical trials. For example, immune checkpoint inhibitors that help enhance the body's immune response against cancer cells has emerged as a major breakthrough. Drugs like Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab and Atezolizumab have notably improved progression-free and overall survival rates in specific patient groups as compared to standard chemotherapy, according to studies by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
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Aging Population and Improving Diagnosis Rates
With overall enhancements in living standards and healthcare access, populations across the world are progressively aging. While this longevity is a positive outcome of development, it also contributes to higher risks of cancer. Aging is a significant risk factor for cancers like non-small cell lung cancer. The biological changes in cells and immune system with growing age weaken the body's ability to identify and eliminate malignant growths in the lungs. A large section of the current elderly population would have been exposed to unregulated tobacco consumption in the mid-20th century before awareness rose around its risks. This leads to higher incidence of lung cancer as residues of past addiction impacts their health today.
Key Takeaways from Analyst:
Global non-small cell lung cancer market growth is driven by increasing incidence rates of the disease worldwide. However, high costs associated with treatment can hamper the market growth. Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the dominant as well as fastest growing regional market due to rising healthcare expenditure, growing awareness, and increasing focus of key players in developing nations like China and India.
Research and development of new targeted therapies can offer opportunities for market growth. While immunotherapy drugs have transformed the treatment landscape in recent years, ongoing clinical research into combination therapies will likely shape the future of non-small cell lung cancer management. Greater access to advanced diagnostic technologies allows for earlier detection when treatment outcomes are better.
Rising numbers of clinical trials involving personalized medicine approaches point to a shift towards more precision-based care. Affordability challenges can hamper the market growth especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Better healthcare infrastructure and initiatives aimed at making high-cost drugs more affordable could help expand the patient pool in these regions over time.
Market Challenges: Risk of side effects of lung cancer drugs
The risk of adverse side effects associated with lung cancer drugs can hamper the global non-small cell lung cancer market growth. Patients suffering from lung cancer are very vulnerable and even minor side effects can have serious health implications. The oncology drugs used for treating non-small cell lung cancer often come with debilitating side effects like severe nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss, diarrhea, and others. Some patients may also experience life-threatening side effects such as organ damage, blood clots and even secondary cancers as a result of chemotherapy. These toxic side effects negatively impact the quality of life of patients and lead to poor treatment compliance. The fear of side effects deters many patients from opting for the standard lines of treatment. Several patients discontinue chemotherapy partially or completely due to intolerable side effects. This impacts the clinical outcomes and reduces the efficacy of treatment. In 2021, according to the data published by American Cancer Society, approximately 25-30% of lung cancer patients stop chemotherapy early or change their treatment plan due to side effect issues. This reduces the patient pool opting for standard treatment options. The introduction of newer targeted therapies and immunotherapy drugs has also been slower than expected due to the risk of unknown long-term side effects. Stringent regulatory practices and safety protocols further prolong the drug development and approval timelines.
Market Opportunities: Combination drug therapies
Combination drug therapies can offer opportunity for global non-small cell lung cancer market growth. Using multiple drugs that attack cancer through different mechanisms can help overcome treatment resistance and lead to better outcomes for patients. Existing therapies for non-small cell lung cancer mostly rely on single drugs. While these have helped increase survival rates to some extent, cancer often develops resistances over time. Combination therapies make it harder for cancer cells to mutate in a way that allows them to evade every drug. By using two or more drugs simultaneously, combination therapy aims to block multiple pathways that drive cancer growth and survival. This multi-pronged approach can keep the cancer from developing resistance for longer periods. Promising early studies suggest combination therapies may significantly improve survival. For instance, in 2020, according to the study published by Lancet, combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy increases overall survival by 7 months as compared to chemotherapy alone in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. In 2020, according to the study published by Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, immunotherapy combined with radiation before surgery also demonstrated benefits.
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Insights, By Type - Rising demand for targeted treatments can drive the adenocarcinoma segment growth
In terms of type, adenocarcinoma segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 40.1% in 2024. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for approximately 40% of all lung cancer cases. It develops in the glandular cells that line the alveoli (air sacs) and small air passageways in the lungs. Rising incidence rate of adenocarcinoma can be attributed to changing smoking patterns, as this cancer type is more commonly associated with cigarette smoking than other types. The availability of targeted therapies for adenocarcinoma can drive the segment growth. Multiple targeted drugs have been developed that have shown clinical benefit for patients with specific genetic mutations that commonly occur in adenocarcinoma, such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and BRAF inhibitors. This has provided patients and physicians effective non-chemotherapy options. Ongoing research in immunotherapy and combination therapies for adenocarcinoma has potential to further expand treatment capabilities.
Insights, By Treatment- Need to reduce side effects boosts demand for targeted therapies
In terms of treatment, chemotherapy segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 35.12 % in 2024 due to its widespread usage. The non-specific mechanisms of standard chemotherapy drugs can damage both cancerous and healthy cells, often resulting in severe side effects. Thus, there is significant interest in developing more targeted therapies that interfere specifically with molecular changes driving cancer growth with reduced off-target toxicity. Key targeted therapies approved for NSCLC include EGFR inhibitors, ALK inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and angiogenesis inhibitors. Many targeted drugs have demonstrated success in extending progression-free and overall survival as compared to chemotherapy alone. Moreover, targeted treatments typically have a more favorable side effect profile than chemotherapy. The potential for improved efficacy and tolerability has led to rising utilization of targeted therapies, both as first-line options and in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. This shift towards precision medicines is expected to drive substantial growth in the targeted therapy segment over the coming years.
Insights, By End User- Focus on outpatient care boosts interest in homecare setting
In terms of end user, hospitals segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 50 % in 2024. Lung cancer care is gradually shifting towards less invasive techniques and outpatient settings, in order to reduce health system costs and minimize hospital visits/stays for patients. Homecare services are becoming increasingly able to provide complex cancer treatments traditionally administered in hospitals. This includes delivery of oral and self-injectable precision medicines as well as skilled nursing care for side effect management. The home environment can offer comfort and convenience for patients undergoing treatment. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition as homecare services allowed high-risk cancer patients to receive treatment safely at home to avoid infection risks. As value-based care and efficient utilization of healthcare resources gains importance, growth in homecare for lung cancer stands to alleviate burdens on hospitals while maintaining or improving patient experiences.
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North America has established itself as the dominant region in the global non-small cell lung cancer market with an estimated market share of 38.2% in 2024. The U.S., in particular, accounts for the bulk of the market share due to strong industry presence and large patient population affected by the disease. Pharmaceutical companies have their headquarters and largest R&D centers based in the U.S., driving intense drug innovation and development activities in the region. High healthcare expenditure levels and availability of favorable reimbursement policies ensure faster adoption of newer treatments.
Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest growing market. Economies like China and India have a huge patient population and rising healthcare investment capabilities. Growing awareness about early detection and treatment is resulting in improved survival rates. Local pharmaceutical industries are strengthening their non-small cell lung cancer drug portfolios by developing low-cost biosimilar and generic versions. This makes advanced therapeutics more affordable for patients.
Countries within Asia Pacific also differ significantly in their regulatory guidelines and healthcare infrastructure. For instance, Japan has well-established systems as comparable to the West while other Association of Southeast Asian Nations are still developing. This leads to varied growth trajectories across nations. Furthermore, Asia Pacific players are focused on treatments personalized to genetic patterns predominant in Oriental populations.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Market Report Coverage
| Report Coverage | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Year: | 2023 | Market Size in 2024: | US$ 26.10 Bn |
| Historical Data for: | 2019 to 2023 | Forecast Period: | 2024 to 2031 |
| Forecast Period 2024 to 2031 CAGR: | 9.4% | 2031 Value Projection: | US$ 49.11 Bn |
| Geographies covered: |
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| Segments covered: |
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| Companies covered: |
F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Honeywell International Inc., AstraZeneca PLC, Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Novartis AG, Eli Lilly and Company, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Celgene Corporation, Amgen Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Gilead Sciences, Inc., AbbVie Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sanofi, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Bayer AG |
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| Restraints & Challenges: |
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*Definition: Non-small cell lung cancer is a group of lung cancers that behave similarly, such as squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancers.
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About Author
Ghanshyam Shrivastava - With over 20 years of experience in the management consulting and research, Ghanshyam Shrivastava serves as a Principal Consultant, bringing extensive expertise in biologics and biosimilars. His primary expertise lies in areas such as market entry and expansion strategy, competitive intelligence, and strategic transformation across diversified portfolio of various drugs used for different therapeutic category and APIs. He excels at identifying key challenges faced by clients and providing robust solutions to enhance their strategic decision-making capabilities. His comprehensive understanding of the market ensures valuable contributions to research reports and business decisions.
Ghanshyam is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and contributes to various publications on pharma industry.
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