The global cytotoxic drugs market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of nearly 1.3% during the forecast period. The major factors contributing to the growth of the market include a significant rise in cancer incidences and increasing awareness regarding cancer diseases.  As per the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2018, the cancer burden across the globe is anticipated to have increased to 18.1 million new incidences and 9.6 million mortalities. Globally, one in 5 men and one in 6 women develop cancer in their lifetime. Globally, 43.8 million patients were suffering from cancer in 2018.

Due to the increasing cancer incidences, the public-private partnership across countries have been witnessed to raise public awareness regarding cancer. For instance, in May 2016, F. Hoffman L-Roche AG launched Run for Her, an awareness campaign for breast cancer, in partnership with the China Cancer Rehabilitation Society. The program aims to improve breast cancer awareness, testing, and treatment in China. The campaign successfully delivered crucial messages that women should get breast cancer screening on a regular basis, and the early diagnosis and standardized treatment enable to improve both the quality of life and disease outcome.

This initiative can support Chinese women to get access to better screening, diagnosis, and treatment, which in turn, will encourage the demand for cytotoxic drugs as these are used to destroy cancer cells. These drugs restrict the division of cells and thereby kills cancerous cells. As a result, it boosts the outcomes of radiotherapy or surgery, decreases metastases, and ease cancer symptoms. However, there is a decrease in the role of cytotoxic drugs in cancer therapies to some extent due to the development of other drug therapies. However, it is being significantly used in antineoplastic chemotherapy. The pipeline drugs are expected to offer an opportunity for market growth.

Market Segmentation

The global cytotoxic drugs market is classified based on drug class and application. Based on drug class, the market is classified into alkylating, antimetabolites, antitumor antibiotics, plant alkaloids, and others. Based on application, the market is classified into lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and others. 

Alkylating drug class find its significant application in the treatment of cancer

Alkylating agents is one of the first anti-cancer drugs that are most commonly used in chemotherapy. It works directly on DNA which resulting cross-linking of DNA strands, DNA strand breaks or abnormal base pairing and thus, prevents the cell from dividing. Alkylating agents kill the cell in multiple stages of the cell cycle. It may be utilized for several cancer types and have considerable value for the treatment of slow-growing cancers. However, these agents are not as potential on rapidly growing cells. Some instances of alkylating agents include busulfan, thiotepa, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, and treosulfan.

Global Cytotoxic Drugs Market Share by Drug Class, 2019 (%)

Regional Outlook

Geographically, the market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World. North America is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to the rising incidences of cancer and significant funding opportunity for cancer researches in the region. The American Cancer Society has estimated that in 2019, there will be nearly 1,762,450 new cancer incidences diagnosed and 606,880 mortalities due to cancer will occur in the US. A significant awareness regarding cancer and better Medicare coverage for cancer treatment is primarily supporting to drive the demand for cytotoxic drugs in the region. 

Global Cytotoxic Drugs Market Growth, by Region 2020-2026

Market Players Outlook

The major players operating in the market include Pfizer Inc., Mylan N.V., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., F. Hoffman La-Roche AG, and Bristol Myers Squibb Co. The strategies adopted by the market players include mergers and acquisitions, product launches, and partnerships and collaborations to expand market share and gain a competitive advantage. For instance, in June 2019, Pfizer Inc. declared to acquire Array BioPharma Inc., a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company which is engaged in discovery, development and commercialization of targeted small molecule drugs for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Array’s portfolio comprises the approved combined use of MEKTOVI (binimetinib) and BRAFTOVI (encorafenib) to treat BRAFV600E or BRAFV600K mutant unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

The combination therapy has considerable potential for long-term growth through expansion into the additional field of unmet need and is currently being investigated in more than 30 clinical trials across several solid tumor indications, such as the Phase 3 BEACON trial in BRAF-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This acquisition strengthens the innovative biopharmaceutical business of Pfizer and is expected to leverage its growth primarily in the long term. This will further reinforce its position in the oncology field with the addition of a breakthrough combination of BRAF/MEK inhibitors under investigation for a potential first-in-class therapy for patients with BRAF- mCRC. As a result, it will expand Pfizer’s pipeline with multiple high-potential targeted investigational cancer therapies.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2019 and forecast to 2026.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global cytotoxic drugs market. Based on the availability of data, information related to pipeline products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.