01 Cell & Gene Therapies Drive a Surge in Oncology Trial ActivityOncology research moved strongly toward cell and gene therapies (CGT), with CAR T and TCR platforms expanding beyond a few blood cancers into new tumor types. Regulatory bodies have continued to approve novel cell-based therapies, while numerous early-phase studies have been initiated globally. The FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence (OCE) and CBER reported approvals of new cell-based products, many tied to precision diagnostics, while ClinicalTrials.gov showed a high number of ongoing CAR T/TCR studies across global sites.This trend encouraged more phase 1/2 pipelines and fostered growth in multicentre trial networks. As more companies invested in CGT programs, the momentum enhanced the oncology clinical trials market, expanding innovation and increasing patient access to next-generation therapies.
02 Radiopharmaceutical Therapies Expanded Oncology Trial HorizonsThe oncology landscape shifted from a niche use of radiopharmaceuticals to a broader pipeline across many cancers. Once limited to prostate and neuroendocrine tumors, radioligand therapies (RLTs) are now tested in earlier treatment lines, in combinations, and in new indications. Novartis AG reported in its annual report that the global expansion of Pluvicto and its acquisition of Mariana Oncology resulted in a strong commitment to radioligand innovation.This momentum led more sponsors to design dose-finding and multicenter studies, which widened trial scope and patient groups. As more pharma companies invested in radiopharmaceutical development, the trend boosted the growth of the global market, driving innovation and opening more treatment options.
March 2026 IQVIA expanded its oncology clinical research services with advanced trial management, real-world evidence integration, and decentralized clinical trial capabilities to support pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies developing cancer therapies.
January 2026 ICON expanded its oncology clinical trial services portfolio with enhanced patient recruitment, biomarker-driven trial solutions, and technology-enabled research platforms designed to accelerate cancer drug development.
October 2025 Parexel expanded its oncology clinical development capabilities with improved trial execution services, precision medicine support, and patient-centric approaches for complex cancer studies.
August 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific expanded its clinical research and laboratory services portfolio with enhanced oncology trial support solutions, including biomarker testing, sample management, and clinical trial logistics.