
Chemotherapy Market Analysis
The Chemotherapy Market size is estimated at USD 29.84 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 47.23 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 9.62% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in the body, primarily targeting cancer cells. The global chemotherapy market is growing due to increasing cancer cases and advancements in treatment methods.
Several reports highlight the rising global cancer burden, which is expected to grow further. For instance, the International Agency for Research for Cancer estimates that global cancer prevalence will increase from 21.5 million in 2025 to 35.3 million by 2050. This trend is driving the demand for chemotherapy treatments worldwide.
In addition, low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, and Bolivia are significantly impacted by the cancer burden. For instance, a June 2024 study from the American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book, using GLOBOCAN data, projected a 109% increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) cases in LMICs, including Uruguay and Cuba, by 2050. In comparison, high-income countries (HICs) like the United States and European nations are expected to see a 41% rise in CRC cases. This highlights the growing need for cancer treatments in these regions, thereby increasing the demand for chemotherapy.
Furthermore, advancements in drug development and delivery systems are also driving the chemotherapy market. Innovations such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies are being incorporated into chemotherapy regimens, improving outcomes and reducing side effects. For instance, in August 2024, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved GSK plc's Jemperli (dostarlimab) in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy), followed by Jemperli alone, for treating adults with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.
Similarly, in July 2024, AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso (osimertinib), combined with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy, was approved in the European Union for first-line treatment of adults with advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The development of combination therapies, which use multiple drugs to improve effectiveness and address resistance, is becoming more common. This trend is supported by significant research and development investments from pharmaceutical companies aiming to expand their oncology portfolios and create growth opportunities for the chemotherapy market during the forecast period.
Therefore, while the chemotherapy market is expected to grow due to increasing cancer prevalence and technological advancements, challenges such as high treatment costs and regulatory barriers may slow the adoption of new therapies.
Chemotherapy Market Trends
Alkylating Agents Segment is Likely to Dominate the Market Throughout the Forecast Period
Alkylating agents play a significant role in treating cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, maintaining their dominance in the chemotherapy market. Their broad applicability in clinical settings, supported by agents like cisplatin, oxaliplatin, and cyclophosphamide, drives their demand.
Alkylating agents have a long history of clinical use as one of the first non-hormonal cancer treatments. Their effectiveness is highlighted by a study in Cancers in October 2024, which reported improved survival rates in patients with recurrent glioblastoma who underwent concurrent systemic therapy with these agents, particularly after gross total resection. Such findings strengthen their role in treatment regimens, supporting their adoption and market growth.
Furthermore, ongoing clinical trials are investigating the use of alkylating agents in combination with other therapies, potentially expanding their applications. For instance, a French phase II trial, MGMT-NET, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (December 2024), reported a 52.9% response rate in neuroendocrine tumor patients with MGMT-deficient status, demonstrating the potential of these agents. Thus, such continued research to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects drives the growth of alkylating agents.
Moreover, regulatory approvals further increase clinician confidence in prescribing alkylating agents. For instance, in October 2024, the United States Food and Drug Administration granted fast-track designation to Lantern Pharma's LP-184, an alkylating agent, in a phase 1a trial for glioblastoma treatment. Such approvals are expected to create new growth opportunities for the segment.
In summary, the effective mechanisms, historical importance, and ongoing research and development ensure that alkylating agents remain a leading segment in the chemotherapy market and maintain their critical role in oncology.

North America is Expected to Witness Significant Growth Over the Forecast Period
North America's chemotherapy market is supported by increasing cancer rates, intense research and development efforts, advanced healthcare infrastructure, government support, and technological advancements. These factors collectively strengthen the region's chemotherapy market.
The growing prevalence of cancers such as breast, lung, and prostate highlights the need for a strong chemotherapy market. For instance, the International Agency for Research in Mexico estimates that cancer cases will rise from 0.2 million in 2025 to 0.4 million by 2050. Similarly, data published by the Canadian Cancer Society in May 2024 indicated that 30,500 Canadian women were estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, accounting for 25% of all new female cancer cases that year. On average, 1 in 8 Canadian women are expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. Such a high burden of cancer is likely to drive the demand for chemotherapy treatments across North America.
Furthermore, major pharmaceutical companies invest in research and development to create new chemotherapy drugs and improve treatments. For instance, in October 2024, Pharma in Silica invested USD 4 million to prepare for a clinical study on enhanced chemotherapy. The funds are allocated to obtain authorization for a Canada/United States clinical study involving patients with advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma. Such investments are expected to drive growth in the chemotherapy market by fostering the development of more effective and targeted treatment options.
Moreover, increased approvals from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for new chemotherapy agents and innovative treatment protocols will likely drive market growth in the coming years. For instance, in September 2024, Merck & Co., Inc. received FDA approval for KEYTRUDA, an anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). These recent approvals for targeted therapies expected to expand treatment options, contributing to the growth of the chemotherapy market in North America.
In conclusion, the chemotherapy market in North America is driven by rising cancer rates, advanced healthcare infrastructure, government support, and funding. These factors collectively strengthen the region's chemotherapy treatment market.

Chemotherapy Industry Overview
The market is fragmented due to the presence of several market players. The competitive landscape includes an analysis of a several international as well as local companies that hold market shares and are well known, including Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Pfizer Inc., Genentech, Inc., Novartis AG, and Johnson & Johnson, among others.
Chemotherapy Market Leaders
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Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
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Pfizer Inc
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Genentech, Inc
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Novartis AG
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Johnson & Johnson
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Chemotherapy Market News
- November 2024: Helix Biopharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing immune oncology therapies, has signed an asset purchase agreement with Laevoroc Chemotherapy AG, a private Swiss company, to acquire the Oral Gemcitabine chemotherapy compound.
- October 2024: CHEPLAPHARM Group entered into a definitive agreement with Eli Lilly and Company to acquire the worldwide rights (excluding South Korea) to Gemzar, a cancer treatment featuring the active ingredient gemcitabine. The transaction's closure was subject to standard conditions being met. Gemcitabine, a chemotherapeutic agent, was utilized in treating a spectrum of cancers, including non-small cell lung, urothelial, biliary tract, pancreatic, ovarian, cervical, and breast cancers.
Chemotherapy Industry Segmentation
As per the scope of the report, chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It targets rapidly dividing cells, which are characteristic of cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered in various ways, including intravenously or orally, and it may be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy.
The chemotherapy market is segmented into drug class, route of administration, indication, end user, and geography. By drug class, the market is segmented into alkylating agents, antimetabolites, anti-tumor antibiotics, topoisomerase inhibitors, mitotic inhibitors, and others. The others include liposomal drugs, corticosteroids, and many more. By route of administration, the market is segmented into oral, intravenous, and others. The others include topical, intravesicular, and many more. By indication, the market is segmented into breast cancer, blood cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and others. The others include stomach cancer, liver cancer, and many more. By end user, the market is segmented into hospitals, specialty clinics, and others. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done on the basis of value (USD).
By Drug Class | Alkylating Agents | ||
Antimetabolites | |||
Anti-Tumor Antibiotics | |||
Topoisomerase Inhibitors | |||
Mitotic Inhibitors | |||
Others | |||
By Route of Administration | Oral | ||
Intravenous | |||
Others | |||
By Indication | Breast Cancer | ||
Blood Cancer | |||
Lung Cancer | |||
Colorectal Cancer | |||
Prostate Cancer | |||
Others | |||
By End User | Hospitals | ||
Specialty Clinics | |||
Other End Users | |||
Geography | North America | United States | |
Canada | |||
Mexico | |||
Europe | Germany | ||
United Kingdom | |||
France | |||
Italy | |||
Spain | |||
Rest of Europe | |||
Asia-Pacific | China | ||
Japan | |||
India | |||
Australia | |||
South Korea | |||
Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
Middle East and Africa | GCC | ||
South Africa | |||
Rest of Middle East and Africa | |||
South America | Brazil | ||
Argentina | |||
Rest of South America |
Chemotherapy Market Research FAQs
How big is the Chemotherapy Market?
The Chemotherapy Market size is expected to reach USD 29.84 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 9.62% to reach USD 47.23 billion by 2030.
What is the current Chemotherapy Market size?
In 2025, the Chemotherapy Market size is expected to reach USD 29.84 billion.
Who are the key players in Chemotherapy Market?
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Pfizer Inc, Genentech, Inc, Novartis AG and Johnson & Johnson are the major companies operating in the Chemotherapy Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Chemotherapy Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Chemotherapy Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Chemotherapy Market.
What years does this Chemotherapy Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Chemotherapy Market size was estimated at USD 26.97 billion. The report covers the Chemotherapy Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Chemotherapy Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Chemotherapy Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Chemotherapy market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Chemotherapy analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.