Segments - Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Therapeutics Market by Treatment Type (Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Surgery), Line of Treatment (First-line of Treatment and Second-line of Treatment), Route of Administration (Oral, Intravenous, and Intramuscular), Distribution Channel (Hospital and Clinics, Ambulatory Centers, and Specialty Pharmacies), and Region (Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa) - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast 2024 – 2032
The global metastatic colorectal cancer therapeutics market size was USD 16.7 Billion in 2023 and is likely to reach USD 24.2 Billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 4.2% during 2024–2032. The market is attributed to the increasing prevalence of colorectal cancer and increasing investments in R&D activities.
Metastatic colorectal cancer is an advanced-stage malignancy that requires different treatments than localized colorectal cancer. It is referred to as stage IV colon cancer or advanced colon cancer. Unlike early-stage colorectal cancer, which is confined to the colon or rectum, metastatic colorectal cancer has spread to other organs.
In 2020, according to the statistics of Journal of Oncology, colorectal cancer ranks third among all cancers in the US for men and women with 53,200 estimated deaths from the disease. Of those who are diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer, between 70% and 75% live for more than a year after diagnosis, between 30% and 35% for over three years, and less than 20% for more than five years.
The median overall survival of the control and experimental groups in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) clinical trials has increased during the previous 20 years. The magnitude of the incremental change in survival for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) who did not get treatment throughout the trial is still unknown.
The liver is where colorectal cancer metastases most frequently, including colon and rectal cancer. Additionally, lung, bone, brain, or spinal cord metastases by colorectal cancer cells are possible. Cancer cells discovered in these regions after a patient's colorectal cancer treatment could indicate that the patient's original colorectal cancer has spread. Recurrent colorectal cancer is not the same as metastatic colorectal cancer. Recurrent colorectal cancer is defined as colorectal cancer that, instead of spreading to other areas of the body, returns to the same area of the colon or rectum following treatment.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly transform the metastatic colorectal cancer therapeutics market by improving drug discovery, target identification, virtual screening, predictive modeling, personalized treatment decisions, and drug repositioning. AI can analyze genomic and clinical data to identify novel drug targets and biological pathways involved in colorectal cancer progression, leading to more effective and targeted therapies. It can accelerate the process of virtual screening and drug design, predicting the efficacy and safety of potential drugs. AI can predict treatment response prediction, allowing doctors to tailor treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.
AI enhance clinical trial design and efficiency by identifying patients with specific characteristics who are most likely to benefit from a particular trial, conducting virtual trials and simulations, and analyzing real-world data from patients receiving treatment outside of clinical trials. AI-powered chatbots can provide patients with 24/7 access to information and support, while remote monitoring and adverse event detection can be achieved through AI algorithms. Treatment optimization and dosage management can be optimized based on a patient's specific needs and response to therapy.
Increasing prevalence of colorectal cancer is driving the market. According to the Annals of Oncology, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, with 1.1 million new cases per year, and is the second leading cause of cancer death, increasing the need for colorectal cancer therapeutics. This increasing burden of patient requires a specialized treatment strategy and drug development, driving the market.
Growing demand for a targeted therapy offering a precise approach of treatment is boosting the market. Targeted therapies offer a precise approach, unlike traditional chemotherapy, attacking specific pathways involved in cancer cell growth and survival, leading to potentially improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
Advancement in biomarker testing to identify patients getting benefitted from targeted therapy is fueling the market. The identification of specific genetic mutations in colorectal cancer allows for personalized treatment plans. Biomarker testing leads to a more effective treatment strategy.
Increasing investments in R&D activities in the development of immunotherapy drugs and precision medicines is driving the market. Pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in R&D of novel therapeutic agents for metastatic colorectal cancer. This includes new targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and combination regimens aimed at improving survival rates and patient quality of life.
High treatment cost and limited reimbursement policies is expected to restrain the global market significantly during the forecast period. Novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies are extremely expensive, placing a significant financial burden on patients and healthcare systems. Moreover, insurance coverage for these expensive treatments becomes a challenging task, limiting patient access to potentially life-saving therapies.
Side effects of treatments is another factor is restricting the global market. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies, are well tolerated than traditional chemotherapy by patients, but it still can cause side effects that can be debilitating for some patients, impacting their quality of life and adherence to treatment.
Next-generation targeted therapies include Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), Bispecific T-Cell Engagers (BiTEs), and Small Molecule Kinase Inhibitors. ADCs combine monoclonal antibodies with cytotoxic drugs, delivering targeted chemotherapy to cancer cells, while minimizing side effects. BiTEs connect immune system T cells to cancer cells.
CAR T-Cell Therapy involves genetically engineering a patient's T cells to attack cancer cells, offering personalized, potentially curative treatment. CRISPR technology and gene editing corrects genetic mutations contributing to cancer development, potentially leading to durable treatment responses. Gene therapy and gene editing approaches is an emerging opportunity in the global metastatic colorectal cancer therapeutics market.
Liquid biopsies are invasive blood tests that can detect circulating tumor cells or tumor DNA, enabling early detection of recurrence and resistance mechanisms, enabling timely treatment adjustments. Liquid biopsies present a growing opportunity for the market and expected to significantly boost the market during the forecast period.
The market report includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.
Attributes |
Details |
Report Title |
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Therapeutics Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast |
Base Year |
2023 |
Historic Data |
2017–2022 |
Forecast Period |
2024–2032 |
Segmentation |
Treatment Type (Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Surgery), Line of Treatment (First-line of Treatment and Second-line of Treatment), Route of Administration (Oral, Intravenous, and Intramuscular), and Distribution Channel (Hospital and Clinics, Ambulatory Centers, and Specialty Pharmacies) |
Regional Scope |
Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa |
Report Coverage |
Company Share, Market Analysis and Size, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Market Trends, and Revenue Forecast |
Key Players Covered in the Report |
Amgen Inc.; Arcus Biosciences Inc.; Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd; Eli Lilly and Company; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.; Genentech Inc.; Merck KGaA; Novartis AG; Pfizer Inc.; and Sanofi S.A. |
Based on treatment type, the metastatic colorectal cancer therapeutics market is divided into chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. The chemotherapy segment is expected to expand at a significant pace during the projection period. While newer options such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy are gaining traction, chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment due to several factors. It offers a broad-spectrum approach to killing cancer cells, making it effective for a wide range of patients. Additionally, established treatment regimens using chemotherapy are well-understood and have a proven track record of improving survival rates, propelling the segment.
On the basis of treatment, the global market is segregated into first-line of treatment and second-line of treatment. The first-line of treatment segment is anticipated to register a considerable CAGR in the coming years. First-line therapy represents the initial course of treatment for patients newly diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer. This signifies a larger pool of patients compared to the second-line segment, which caters to those whose initial treatment stops being effective (cancer progression). This propels the segment growth.
Established treatment protocols typically involve first-line therapy using well-researched and proven combinations of drugs, often including chemotherapy. This ensures a standardized approach with predictable efficacy for most patients, driving segment share.
On the basis of route of administration, the metastatic colorectal cancer therapeutics market is segmented into oral, intravenous, and intramuscular. The intravenous segment is expected to register a robust growth rate during the forecast period. This dominance stems from the need for powerful chemotherapy drugs to reach high concentrations throughout the body and target cancer cells effectively.
Oral medications, while convenient, may not be suitable for these potent drugs due to absorption limitations or potential for severe side effects. Furthermore, established treatment protocols often involve combinations of multiple drugs, some of which might not be available orally. Therefore, IV administration remains the preferred route for delivering these crucial medications and treatment regimens in metastatic colorectal cancer.
Based on distribution channel, the metastatic colorectal cancer therapeutics market is divided into hospital and clinics, ambulatory centers, and specialty pharmacies. The hospital and clinics segment are expected to expand at a significant pace during the projection period. Hospitals and clinics likely capture the largest share of the metastatic colorectal cancer therapeutics market due to the intricate nature of treatment. This complex treatment often involves a combination of powerful drugs and requires specialist expertise, infrastructure, and equipment readily available in these settings.
Close patient monitoring is crucial for managing side effects and adjusting treatment plans as needed, which hospitals and clinics can effectively provide. While other channels play a role in dispensing medications, the overall complexity and monitoring needs make hospitals and clinics the dominant force in delivering metastatic colorectal cancer therapeutics.
In terms of region, the global metastatic colorectal cancer therapeutics market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period owing to rising number of colorectal cancer cases. The large prevalence of disease drives the growth for its therapeutics. Moreover, the advanced diagnostics and availability of favorable reimbursement policies enables high affordability and efficient treatments for the patients in this region.
North America facilitates skilled professionals and highly equipped technologies enabling to offer comprehensive and advanced care to patients. A strong infrastructure for R&D exists in North America, which facilitates the creation of novel and cutting-edge treatments for colorectal cancer. This infrastructure consists of research institutes, pharmaceutical firms, and biotech start-ups that collaborate to improve disease understanding and provide novel treatments. In the recent years, colorectal cancer screening programs have become widely used in North America, allowing for the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The significant benefits that patients experience from early illness detection have contributed to the expansion of the colorectal cancer market in the region.
The metastatic colorectal cancer therapeutics market has been segmented on the basis of
Key players competing in the global metastatic colorectal cancer therapeutics market are Amgen Inc.; Arcus Biosciences Inc.; Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd; Eli Lilly and Company; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.; Genentech Inc.; Merck KGaA; Novartis AG; Pfizer Inc.; and Sanofi S.A.
These companies adopt development strategies including mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, collaboration, product launches, and production expansion to expand their consumer base worldwide.
On April 16, 2023, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced the results from the Phase 3 trial investigating KEYTRUDA, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with standard of care chemotherapy (gemcitabine and cisplatin) for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced or unresectable biliary tract cancer (BTC).