Global Cancer Immunotherapy Market - 2025-2033

The global cancer immunotherapy market reached US$ 137.70 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 261.74 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period of 2025-2033.

Cancer immunotherapy, also called immuno-oncology, is a cancer treatment approach that leverages the body's immune system to prevent, manage, and eliminate cancer. It enhances the immune system's ability to identify and target cancer cells more effectively. This method takes advantage of the unique antigens present in tumor cells, allowing the immune system to recognize and attack them once these antigens are properly identified. This market includes several key treatment approaches, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, cancer vaccines, CAR-T cell therapies, and cytokines.

Market Dynamics: Drivers & Restraints

Increasing Incidence of Cancer Cases

The increasing incidence of cancer is a key driver for the growth of the cancer immunotherapy market. As the prevalence of cancers such as lung, breast, and colorectal continues to rise, particularly with 19.98 million new cases reported globally in 2022 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, there is a growing need for more effective and targeted treatment options.

Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health, there will be 2.04 million new cancer cases in the U.S. alone by 2025. Lung cancer, in particular, remains the most commonly diagnosed and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with nearly 2.5 million cases. All these factors drive the global cancer immunotherapy market.

This alarming rise in cancer cases is driving demand for immunotherapies, which are increasingly seen as an effective alternative to traditional treatments like chemotherapy due to their targeted nature and lower toxicity. As the burden of cancer grows, the need for innovative therapies accelerates, spurring increased investment in research and the development of new immunotherapy options. Thus, the above factor is expected to continue fueling the expansion of the cancer immunotherapy market.

High Cost of Treatment

The high cost of immunotherapy treatments is expected to hinder the growth of the cancer immunotherapy market. With a full course of experimental cancer immunotherapy averaging between $30,000 and $40,000, many patients may face financial barriers to accessing these therapies. This high cost not only places a significant burden on patients but also strains healthcare systems and insurance providers.

Some immunotherapy treatment regimens require extended treatment periods or multiple doses over time, further increasing overall costs for patients. The ongoing cost burden can be difficult to manage for both individuals and healthcare providers. As a result, the affordability of these treatments may limit their widespread adoption, slow market penetration, and reduce access for patients who could benefit from these advanced therapies. Thus, the above factors could be limiting the global cancer immunotherapy market's potential growth.

Segment Analysis

The global cancer immunotherapy market is segmented based on product type, indication, and region.

Product Type:

The monoclonal antibodies segment in product type is expected to dominate the global cancer immunotherapy market with the highest market share

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system's ability to fight harmful pathogens. In cancer immunotherapy, these antibodies specifically target cancer cells by recognizing unique antigens on their surface.

The monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) segment is primarily driven by extensive research and development investments, technological advancements, and their effectiveness in treating various types of cancer. Monoclonal antibodies are widely used in targeting specific cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues, making them a preferred choice in immunotherapy. The market is also expanding due to increasing cancer prevalence, rising awareness of immunotherapy treatments, and regulatory approvals that accelerate the availability of new drugs.

Furthermore, key players' strategies, such as partnerships and collaborations, would propel this segment's growth in the market. For instance, in March 2023, BioNTech SE and OncoC4, Inc. entered into a global licensing and collaboration agreement to develop and commercialize ONC-392, a next-generation anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody.

This agreement gives BioNTech exclusive worldwide rights to further advance this experimental cancer treatment, either as a standalone therapy (monotherapy) or in combination with other treatments. These factors have solidified the segment's position in the global cancer immunotherapy market.

Geographical Analysis

North America is expected to hold a significant position in the global cancer immunotherapy market, with the highest market share

North America is expected to maintain its dominance in the cancer immunotherapy market throughout the forecast period, driven by the region's high cancer incidence and growing demand for innovative treatments. The American Cancer Society projects 226,650 new lung cancer cases in 2025 alone, contributing to an increased need for cancer immunotherapies. With this, the number of individuals who approach cancer immunotherapy is also expected to rise.

In addition to the increasing number of cancer cases, North America benefits from strong governmental support and significant funding directed at cancer research. This funding fosters the development of new therapies and accelerates their introduction to the market. Moreover, the region is a global leader in research and development, with major pharmaceutical companies and renowned research institutions driving continuous progress in oncology treatments.

North America's regulatory environment also plays a key role in this dominance. For instance, in May 2024, Amgen received accelerated approval of IMDELLTRA (tarlatamab-dlle), a breakthrough immunotherapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) patients who have progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy. This approval highlights the region's capability to fast-track innovative cancer treatments. With these factors, North America is expected to remain a dominant force in the global cancer immunotherapy market, driving both demand and development for new cancer therapies.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the cancer immunotherapy market include Amgen Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Merck & Co., Inc., AstraZeneca, Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Incyte, Dendreon Pharmaceuticals LLC., and Kite Pharma, Inc., among others.

Key Developments

• In September 2024, Roche received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Tecentriq HybrezaTM (atezolizumab and hyaluronidase-tqjs), the first and only the first and only subcutaneous anti-PD-(L)1 cancer immunotherapy.
• In January 2024, Boehringer Ingelheim and 3T Biosciences entered into a new strategic collaboration and licensing agreement focused on discovering and developing next-generation life-changing cancer immunotherapies.

Why Purchase the Report?

• Pipeline & Innovations: Reviews ongoing clinical trials and product pipelines and forecasts upcoming advancements in medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
• Product Performance & Market Positioning: Analyzed product performance, market positioning, and growth potential to optimize strategies.
• Real-World Evidence: Integrates patient feedback and data into product development for improved outcomes.
• Physician Preferences & Health System Impact: Examines healthcare provider behaviors and the impact of health system mergers on adoption strategies.
• Market Updates & Industry Changes: This covers recent regulatory changes, new policies, and emerging technologies.
• Competitive Strategies: Analyze competitor strategies, market share, and emerging players.
• Pricing & Market Access: Reviews pricing models, reimbursement trends, and market access strategies.
• Market Entry & Expansion: Identifies optimal strategies for entering new markets and partnerships.
• Regional Growth & Investment: Highlights high-growth regions and investment opportunities.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Assesses supply chain risks and distribution strategies for efficient product delivery.
• Sustainability & Regulatory Impact: Focuses on eco-friendly practices and evolving regulations in healthcare.
• Post-market Surveillance: Uses post-market data to enhance product safety and access.
• Pharmacoeconomics & Value-Based Pricing: Analyzes the shift to value-based pricing and data-driven decision-making in R&D.

The global cancer immunotherapy market report delivers a detailed analysis with 54 key tables, more than 50 visually impactful figures, and 176 pages of expert insights, providing a complete view of the market landscape.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers: Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, Biotech Companies, Contract Manufacturers, Distributors, Hospitals.
• Regulatory & Policy: Compliance Officers, Government, Health Economists, Market Access Specialists.
• Technology & Innovation: AI/Robotics Providers, R&D Professionals, Clinical Trial Managers, Pharmacovigilance Experts.
• Investors: Healthcare Investors, Venture Fund Investors, Pharma Marketing & Sales.
• Consulting & Advisory: Healthcare Consultants, Industry Associations, Analysts.
• Supply Chain: Distribution and Supply Chain Managers.
• Consumers & Advocacy: Patients, Advocacy Groups, Insurance Companies.
• Academic & Research: Academic Institutions.