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Over the next few years, undiagnosed breast cancer cases may add to the demand for more rigorous end-stage treatments and therapeutics.
Global breast cancer therapeutic market trends indicate an optimistic future, favored by the increasing government-run screening programs across the globe. Private hospitals have been witnessing a steady demand for effective breast cancer treatments, driven by the expanding health care infrastructure in middle and low-income countries.
With the COVID-19 pandemic generating substantial screening backlogs, more women have now been seeking appointments with local diagnostic centers across the globe. According to an NHS Digital report,1 the number of women screened for breast cancer in the UK fell from more than 2.12 million during April 2020 to about 1.19 million during March 2021, marking a decline of over 44.1%.
Over the next few years, undiagnosed breast cancer cases may add to the demand for more rigorous end-stage treatments and therapeutics, especially amongst unscreened women. According to some experts, these women are more likely to suffer from complications if they are exposed to SARS-CoV-2.2 With these developments, the targeted breast cancer therapeutics market is expected to offer best-in-class treatment possibilities for women.
With more industry participants strengthening their research and development efforts, the industry is undergoing a major transformation. The results of a study announced at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting suggest that trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu), a new drug in targeted therapeutics, can inhibit cancer progression and improve survival rates amongst patients with breast cancer.3 The drug has already received breakthrough designation from the FDA for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer earlier this year.
Take a look at some of the regional trends driving the breast cancer therapeutics industry in North America, which is anticipated to surpass $16 billion in value by 2028.4
Lower toxicity of emerging chemo treatments will encourage uptake in United States
High incidence of triple-negative breast cancer cases will strengthen the popularity of chemotherapy in North America.5 Many specialty clinics and hospitals administer adjuvant chemotherapy to kill remaining cancer cells that are not visible during screenings. Numerous patients need to undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before it can be removed by surgeons.
Due to the growing awareness regarding the benefits of the treatment, the breast cancer therapeutics industry share in the United States from the chemotherapy segment is increasing at a stable pace. Over the next few years, more early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer patients will adopt this approach, fueling the treatment uptake. The lower toxicity of emerging treatment options, such innovative combination treatments with chemotherapy, will further fuel the industry.
Regional industry participants have been focusing on digital health apps for providing more tailor-made treatment regimens for patients. For example, in June 2022, Eli Lilly announced a partnership with Sidekick Health, a leading developer of digital therapeutics solutions. The collaboration is aimed at helping patients with breast cancer follow their medication regimes more rigorously.6
In summary, the industry outlook for breast cancer therapeutics is influenced by rising government concerns pertaining to high breast cancer mortality rates. As more women are diagnosed with late-stage disease, physicians will help these women make more informed decisions. They will adopt the most suitable alternatives from targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy to improve their duration and quality of life.
About the Author
An English literature enthusiast with an MPhil. in the subject, Amruta Chowgule slipped into the domain of content creation with utmost ease. She currently pens down insightful research articles across numerous domains such as technology, automotive, electronics, and healthcare. She is also motivated by her interest in disciplines as diverse as linguistics, anthropology, historiography, art and culture, and feminist literary theory and criticism.
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