India Cancer Therapeutics Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

The India Cancer Therapeutics Market was valued at USD 0.64 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 1.12 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 9.80%. The India Cancer Therapeutics Market is expanding rapidly, driven by rising cancer incidence, advancements in targeted therapies, and growing healthcare infrastructure. With over 1.5 million new cases annually, cancers such as lung, breast, and cervical are seeing increased prevalence, fueled by aging populations, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors. Government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and investments in early detection programs are improving accessibility to treatments, while domestic and global pharmaceutical companies are expanding their oncology portfolios. The growing adoption of biosimilars and immunotherapies, coupled with AI-driven diagnostics, is further accelerating market growth.

However, challenges persist, including high treatment costs, lack of uniform healthcare access in rural areas, and delayed diagnosis due to limited awareness. Additionally, regulatory hurdles for innovative therapies and the need for more specialized oncology infrastructure create barriers to faster adoption. Despite these challenges, increasing investments in R&D, clinical trials, and international collaborations position India as a key market for cancer therapeutics in the coming years.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Cancer Incidence

The rising incidence of cancer in India is a critical healthcare challenge, significantly driving the demand for advanced therapeutics and early detection solutions. One in nine Indians is likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, making it one of the most pressing health concerns in the country. The most commonly diagnosed cancers differ by gender, with lung cancer leading among males and breast cancer dominating among females. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the number of cancer cases in India is projected to rise by 12.8% by 2025 compared to 2020, underscoring the urgent need for better screening programs and innovative treatment solutions.

Several factors contribute to this rising incidence. Lifestyle changes, including increased tobacco and alcohol consumption, sedentary habits, and unhealthy diets, have significantly raised the risk of cancer, particularly in urban areas. Smoking alone is responsible for nearly 27% of all cancer cases in men and around 6.5% in women. Additionally, environmental factors such as air pollution and exposure to industrial chemicals have been linked to a surge in lung and respiratory cancers. Delhi and other metropolitan cities report some of the highest incidences of lung cancer due to deteriorating air quality.

Key Market Challenges

High Cost of Cancer Treatment

One of the most significant challenges in India's cancer therapeutics market is the high cost of treatment, which makes advanced therapies inaccessible to a large portion of the population. Despite government initiatives and expanding healthcare infrastructure, cancer treatment in India remains financially burdensome, particularly for middle- and lower-income groups. The cost of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy can range from INR 2-20 lakh (USD 2,500-25,000) per treatment cycle, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Advanced therapies, such as CAR-T cell therapy, can cost upwards of INR 50 lakh (USD 60,000), making them unaffordable for most patients without health insurance.

The lack of universal healthcare coverage exacerbates this issue. While schemes like Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) provide financial aid to economically weaker sections, they often do not cover the full range of modern oncological treatments, including the latest immunotherapies and personalized medicine. Patients who require long-term or combination therapies face significant out-of-pocket expenses, often leading to financial distress.

Another factor driving high treatment costs is the dependence on imported drugs and medical technologies. Many of the latest targeted therapies and biologics are developed by multinational pharmaceutical companies, leading to high import costs and limited availability. The lack of domestic production of high-end oncology drugs further contributes to inflated prices. Additionally, specialized cancer treatment facilities are concentrated in urban centers, forcing patients from rural areas to travel long distances, adding to indirect costs such as accommodation, transportation, and lost wages.

To address this challenge, India needs greater investment in domestic drug manufacturing, biosimilars, and public-private partnerships to make cutting-edge treatments more affordable. Expanding insurance coverage, increasing subsidies for cancer care, and strengthening government procurement mechanisms for oncology drugs can also help reduce the financial burden on patients. While India has made strides in improving access to cancer treatment, reducing costs remains a crucial factor in ensuring equitable cancer care for all.

Key Market Trends

Growth in Cancer Screening & Early Detection

The increasing emphasis on cancer screening and early detection is a significant trend shaping the Indian cancer therapeutics market. With cancer cases on the rise, the focus has shifted toward identifying malignancies at an early stage, leading to better treatment outcomes and reduced mortality rates. Advances in diagnostic technologies, improved awareness, and the growing availability of specialized screening centers have contributed to this trend.

One of the key factors driving this growth is the rising adoption of advanced imaging techniques such as PET-CT scans, MRI, and digital mammography. These technologies enable the early detection of cancers like breast, lung, and cervical cancer, which have high prevalence rates in India. Liquid biopsy, an emerging non-invasive diagnostic method, is also gaining traction for detecting cancer through biomarkers present in the blood, allowing for early intervention without the need for traditional biopsies.

Key Market Players

• Johnson & Johnson Ltd
• Astellas Pharma India Pvt. Ltd.
• Eli Lilly and Company (India) Pvt. Ltd.
• Sanofi SA
• Ipsen SA
• Bayer AG
• AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited
• Merck & Co Inc
• Pfizer Limited
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Report Scope

In this report, the India Cancer Therapeutics Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

India Cancer Therapeutics Market, By Therapy Type:

• Chemotherapy
• Targeted Therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Hormonal Therapy
• Others

India Cancer Therapeutics Market, By Application:

• Blood Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Head and Neck Cancer
• Glioblastoma
• Malignant Meningioma
• Mesothelioma
• Melanoma
• Others

India Cancer Therapeutics Market, By Region:

• East India
• West India
• North India
• South India

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the India Cancer Therapeutics Market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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