New Report Reveals Trends in Cancer Treatment and Emerging Therapies

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- New innovative therapies for cancer are changing the way oncologists and patients alike are reacting to the disease today. Biologic therapies such as Genentech's Avastin and Herceptin have altered the treatment landscape and other new targeted therapies will no doubt shape clinical outcomes in the years ahead.

Arrowhead Publishers' new report entitled Cancer Therapeutics 2006: Market Dynamics and R&D Trends examines the four major cancer markets in light of newly emerging therapeutics, shifting market shares and line extensions for major products on the market.

Key Findings

The financial value of colorectal cancer therapies has increased by over seven-fold since 2000. The increase in the value of this market can be explained by new and improved chemotherapeutic agents now on the market, the introduction of key biologic therapies, and improved chemotherapeutic regimens which take into account various new options.

The value of the prostate cancer therapy market is over $2.6 billion in 2005. Hormone therapies continue to dominate the market, as they have proven to be the most effective at treating later-stage prostate cancer and are usually second in line to radiation therapy for patients with locally-advanced disease. However, with the looming approval of vaccines, angiogenesis inhibitors, and increased use of chemotherapy in metastatic disease, future treatment will take into account the benefits and disadvantages associated with all of these therapies.

Pharmaceutical treatment of lung cancer is still largely dominated by cytotoxics in 2005-2006, although targeted therapies are beginning to make an impact. Continued uptake of Tarceva and potential approvals for Avastin, Zactima, Erbitux and other new therapies will offset the decline in value that has come as a result of patent expirations in this market.

The breast cancer therapy market is the most vibrant and dynamic of the four major cancer markets. Currently, the market is divided between chemotherapeutic agents, anti-hormonals, and Herceptin. The strongest growth in recent years has been in the anti-hormonal sector. The overall value of branded products should increase significantly during the next five years. Uptake of aromatase inhibitors, targeted therapies, and new cytotoxic combinations should increase patient options and result in increased competition and better clinical outcomes.