Cervical Cancer Therapeutics Market

Market Overview

The global cervical cancer therapeutics market size was valued at USD 5.80 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 8.59 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.47% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

The cells of the cervix, or the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina, host a type of cancer known as cervical cancer. The three primary forms of cervical cancer are Squamous, Adenocarcinoma, and Squamous-Adenocarcinoma. Squamous is the most common type of cervical cancer, found in 80% to 90% of cases. Exocervical cells give rise to these malignancies, and the transformation zone is where squamous cell carcinomas most frequently start. In addition, Adenocarcinoma is the other most common type of cervical cancer, found in 10% to 20% of cases. Column-shaped glandular cells can grow into tumors called adenocarcinomas. Furthermore, cervical cancer diagnostic tests are frequently utilized to diagnose precancerous or cancerous lesions in the cervix of females. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are all options for treating cervical cancer. 

Market Dynamics

Global Cervical Cancer Therapeutics Market Drivers

Launch of new Therapies

New medicines are being approved and made available for cervical cancer treatment. These include Pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy (with or without bevacizumab) for people with a persistent, recurring, or metastatic disease whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS 1). Approval of tisotumab-vedotin-tftv for adult patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer contributes to market growth. The fast approval of pembrolizumab as a second-line treatment for people with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer whose illness got worse during or after chemotherapy and whose tumors express PD-L1 is a new development in the treatment of cervical cancer. Using bevacizumab to treat persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer can help the patient recover properly. Also, the near-future launch of Pembrolizumab for treating 2L+ patients with recurrent cervical cancer in Japan is expected to propel the market growth.

High Prevalence of Cervical Cancer

Estimates showed that 6,04,000 new cases were reported globally in 2020, showing an increase in cervical cancer prevalence. The cervical cancer mortality rate is higher in developing countries due to improper detection at the early stages of the disease. Increased cervical cancer cases will create a lucrative opportunity for the market to grow. The adoption of advanced technologies in cancer treatment and the rise in chemotherapy treatments will boost the cervical cancer treatment market.

Global Cervical Cancer Therapeutics Market Restraint

Lack of Awareness 

A lack of knowledge and other misconceptions about the disease is holding up the market for medications to treat cervical cancer. Many deaths among women from cervical cancer are attributed to the disease's delayed diagnosis. Misinformation causes diagnosis, medication, and treatment delays, while ignorance causes people to avoid diseases. For instance, approximately 318 women from the general outpatient clinic were reportedly interviewed as part of a study at the Bowen University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) to gauge their degree of knowledge regarding cervical cancer. The prevalence of cervical cancer awareness was 22.6%, and most screening tests were 17.9%. The primary sources of information were health discussions and hospital workers.

Global Cervical Cancer Therapeutics Market Opportunities:

Growing Investments in Research and Development

Recently, the cervical cancer market has significantly evolved with the introduction of immunotherapies in combination with other therapies. The current research and development programs in cervical cancer are equipped with novel therapies such as HengRui Medicine's Camrelizumab (SHR-1210) and other immunotherapies. R&D strategies in cervical cancer are characterized by an increasing trend toward using immunotherapies combined with other therapeutics for treating front-line or second-line settings. 

Additionally, major players in the market are developing novel products and spending significantly on research and development, along with major acquisitions and collaborations to achieve a competitive edge over their counterparts. High investments in R&D capabilities and infrastructure by the industry and governments are anticipated to create lucrative opportunities in the market. As an illustration, Akeso, Inc. reported in September 2021 that the National Medical Products Administration (the NMPA) of China has formally accepted the new medication application for Cadonilimab (PD-1/CTLA-4 bi-specific antibody) for the treatment of metastatic or relapsed cervical cancer.

Regional Analysis

By region, the global cervical cancer therapeutics market is divided into the U.S., EU5, China, and Japan.

The U.S. Dominates the Global Market

The U.S. is the most significant shareholder in the global cervical cancer therapeutics market and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.15% during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to increased disease prevalence, consumer awareness, and technological advancements in diagnosing and treating oncological diseases. The development of various cervical cancer therapeutic vaccines and drugs also expands the regional market. In addition, the regional market is projected to grow further due to positive lifestyle changes. As a result, the cervical cancer treatment market in the U.S. is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. 

China is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.84% over the forecast period. The growth of the cervical cancer market in the region can be attributed to the presence of key players and the rise in access to healthcare due to well-established healthcare infrastructure. The growing focus of vendors in R&D to develop novel drugs is further projected to impact market growth significantly. Continuous involvement of primary and emerging players in R&D activities will lead to the development of several innovative products in the upcoming years. The demand for cervical cancer treatment mainly ensues from the prevalence of cervical cancer patients, well-established healthcare infrastructure, and extensive reach of novel therapeutics.

In Japan, the growth of the cervical cancer market in the region can be attributed to the high prevalence of cervical cancer patients, the presence of key players, and increased access to healthcare due to well-established healthcare infrastructure. Several vendors are planning to launch new drugs for cervical cancer in the country as they offer significant growth opportunities. For instance, Seagen Inc. planned to launch tisotumab-vedotin-tftv in Japan in 2022. Product approvals and licensing agreements will positively impact Japan's cervical cancer market growth.

Germany is predicted to hold the largest market share among the EU5, followed by the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain. Increased healthcare spending is another element affecting the growth of the cervical cancer market in the nation. The region's cervical cancer market is expanding due to the availability of moderate reimbursement coverage. In addition to sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, healthcare spending in Germany is high, which will favor the market growth during the forecast period. Italy is considered a central hub for manufacturing pharmaceutical drugs, and the pharma manufacturing industry witnessed significant changes and improvements, driving the regional market growth. 

Segmental Analysis

The global cervical cancer therapeutics market is segmented by drug class, histology type, distribution channel, and age group.

By drug class, the global market is divided into chemotherapy and targeted therapy. 

The chemotherapy segment is the highest contributor to the market and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 2.69 % over the forecast period. Chemotherapy is a medicinal therapy that uses potent chemicals to kill your body's rapidly proliferating cells. Chemotherapy is most frequently used to treat cancer because cancer cells reproduce and develop faster than most body cells. Chemotherapy medications come in a wide variety. Many malignancies can be treated with chemotherapy medications alone or in combination. Although chemotherapy is a successful treatment for many cancer types, there is a chance that it will have adverse effects. While some side effects of chemotherapy are minor and manageable, others might have negative consequences.

Specific genes and proteins that aid cancer cells in surviving and proliferating are targeted using medications. Targeted therapy may alter the conditions in which cancer cells thrive in the body's tissues or focus on cells like blood vessel cells associated with cancer progression. Additionally, it can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and other cancer therapies. Despite the fact that there are not yet any targeted treatments for every type of cancer, this area of study is rapidly growing, and there are a lot of new targeted therapies being tried in clinical trials.

By histology type, the global market is segmented into squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and mixed carcinoma. 

The squamous cell carcinoma segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.73% over the forecast period. Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells (thin, flat cells) that border the part of the cervix that protrudes into the vagina. Squamous cell carcinomas make up the most significant type of cervical malignancies. It can be aggressive, but it is not life-threatening. A high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, a precursor lesion, is the most frequent reason for squamous cell cancer and is connected to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) (HSIL). In addition, SCC has been primarily linked to HPV 16 and HPV 18. Women without sufficient cytologic screening and countries with few resources are more likely to experience it.

Adenocarcinoma is a malignant neoplasm of the uterine cervix with a glandular phenotype. Adenocarcinoma accounts for between 5 and 25% of invasive cervical carcinomas and is the second most common kind of cervical cancer after squamous cell carcinoma. 85 to 90% of all adenocarcinomas are uterine cervix adenocarcinomas linked to HPV infection. Between the 1960s and the 2000s, the prevalence of adenocarcinoma grew in the United States and other industrialized nations by 5% to 20%. In addition, pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding are frequent side effects of the condition. In 88% of cases, abnormal glandular or squamous cell cytology screening is observed and frequently spreads to local lymph nodes and pelvic tissues. Adenocarcinoma typically spreads to the ovaries and fallopian tubes; other distant organs are less usually affected. Depending on the stage, the disease has a different survival rate.

By distribution channel, the global market is segmented into hospitals and clinics and retail and specialty pharmacies. 

The retail and specialty pharmacies segment is the highest contributor to the market and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.54% over the forecast period. This is due to increasing government and private sector collaborations with retail and specialty pharmacies. Specialty pharmacies collaborate with patients and doctors to give pharmaceuticals for persistent and more severe illnesses, whereas retail pharmacies are for short-term conditions. Specialty pharmacies serve patients with severe medical disorders who need complicated therapies for treatment. Specialty pharmacies usually treat patients with chronic disorders since they frequently call for prescribed medication procedures. As a result, they frequently offer patients the more thorough education and patient care services needed for their medications.

By age group, the global market is divided into below 29 years, 30-49 years, and 50+ years. 

The 50+ years segment owns the highest market share and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.71 % over the forecast period. The segment is growing due to the average age at diagnosis of cervical cancer in women being 50 years. Many older women are unaware that as they get older, they still run the risk of acquiring cervical cancer. Women over 65 account for more than 20% of cervical cancer incidences. On the other hand, women who have received routine cervical cancer screenings before age 65 are much less likely to get these cancers.

Recent Developments

• December 2022- Hoffman La Roche Ltd. announced that Lunsumio® (mosunetuzumab-axgb) had been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adult patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy.
• January 2023- Genexine, a clinical-stage Korean biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery and development of novel biologics for the treatment of unmet medical needs, announced updated results following the completion of its Phase 2 clinical study using GX-188E, its first-in-class proprietary DNA vaccine, in combination with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), MSD’s (Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ., USA) anti-PD-1 therapy.