Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market Size and Growth
The global colorectal cancer drugs market size is projected to grow from US$ 12.60 billion in 2024 to US$ 19.96 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period.
The global market for colorectal cancer is expanding due to rising prevalence and demand for advanced therapies, early diagnostic solutions, and supportive care options. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development to strengthen oncology portfolios and address unmet medical needs.
The rise in colorectal cancer cases has spurred innovation in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. New drugs targeting VEGF, EGFR, KRAS, and HER2 pathways are improving patient survival. Immunotherapies, particularly PD-1 inhibitors, are showing promising results in MSI-H patients. The FDA approved the NALIRIFOX regimen in February 2024, highlighting the trend towards combination therapies to combat drug resistance and enhance efficacy.
North America is expected to dominate the global colorectal cancer drugs market due to its robust healthcare infrastructure, high awareness, and major players like Pfizer, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Roche. Clinical trials and collaborations among pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and research organizations are driving advancements and accelerating access to innovative treatments.
Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market Size, 2024–2033 (USD Billion)
Key Highlights from the Report
North America leads the Colorectal Cancer Drugs market, holding 42.1% share in 2024, driven by strong healthcare systems, major pharmaceutical players like Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb, and active clinical research backed by FDA approvals.
Chemotherapy remains the leading treatment type, capturing 57.6% share in 2024, supported by FDA-approved regimens and ongoing clinical trials that strengthen its dominance.
Intravenous are the leading route of administration segment, projected to grow at a 4.5% CAGR, as they provide comprehensive cancer care, advanced technologies, and direct access to branded therapies.
Market Dynamics
Drivers - Rising Incidence of Colorectal Cancer
The global burden of colorectal cancer, driven by aging populations, poor diet, sedentary habits, and genetic predispositions, is driving market growth. This trend is boosting the use of chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies, encouraging pharmaceutical companies to invest in innovative drug development and clinical trials.
For instance, according to American Cancer Socitey, Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer in the US and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. The American Cancer Society predicts 154,000 new cases in 2025. CRC develops in the soft tissues of the digestive system, often in the colon or rectum.
Market Restraints: High Treatment Costs
The colorectal cancer drugs market faces challenges due to high treatment costs, particularly targeted therapies and immunotherapies, which create affordability issues for patients and strain healthcare systems. Limited insurance coverage and disparities in access to advanced therapies also limit market penetration in low- and middle-income countries. For instance, in Canada, the average monthly cost for first-line chemotherapy is about $8,992, compared to $11,814 in the United States.
Market Opportunities: Advancements in Precision Medicine
Precision medicine is gaining traction in the colorectal cancer drugs market due to biomarker testing and genomic profiling. This personalized treatment approach improves patient outcomes and drives demand for innovative, tumor-specific drugs. Expanding clinical research and regulatory approvals in this space are expected to open new growth avenues in the coming years.
Market Segmentation Analysis
By Drug Class - Chemotherapy Segment is expected to leads the market
Chemotherapy remains the dominant segment in the colorectal cancer drugs market, accounting for nearly 37.6% share in 2024. The colorectal cancer market is dominated by chemotherapy segment due to the increasing incidence of cancer worldwide, aging populations, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors. Advances in drug formulations and delivery technologies, as well as a shift towards personalized therapies, have improved treatment efficacy and patient compliance. Government initiatives, regulatory approvals, and increased healthcare expenditure further support the adoption of chemotherapy.
For instance, a recent study shows that combining Encorafenib and Cetuximab with FOLFOX chemotherapy can extend survival for patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer.
By Route of Administration – Intravenous is expected to lead the market with strong growth potential
The intravenous segment led the market and is projected to register the fastest growth, with a CAGR of 4.5% from 2024 to 2031. The intravenous (IV) route of administration is the preferred method due to its rapid and uniform systemic delivery of high-potency chemotherapeutic agents, particularly in high-dose protocols and combination regimens like FOLFOX. Advancements in infusion technologies, such as smart pumps with real-time monitoring and safety features, have improved the precision, safety, and efficiency of IV chemotherapy, reinforcing its continued preference in cancer treatment.
Market Regional Insights
Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market Share by Region, 2024 (%)
North America Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market Trends
North America leads the colorectal cancer drugs market, holding around 42.1% share, due to its advanced healthcare ecosystem and strong oncology research environment. Hospitals and treatment centers use advanced technologies for precise chemotherapy administration. The high cancer prevalence drives demand for both standard and innovative therapies. Global pharmaceutical leaders ensure a robust pipeline of new drugs, promoting rapid adoption of targeted and combination therapies. For instance, in July 2025, PDS Biotechnology Corporation has completed patient recruitment in Stage 1 of a clinical trial for metastatic colorectal cancer patients using PDS01ADC therapeutic, administered systemically in combination with floxuridine, led by the National Cancer Institute.
Asia-Pacific Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market Trends
The Asia Pacific chemotherapy market is experiencing rapid growth with around 23.5% due to demographic changes and improved healthcare access. Rising cancer incidence, urbanization, and lifestyle changes are driving demand for oncology treatments. Governments in China, India, and Japan are investing in healthcare infrastructure and promoting advanced treatments. The expansion of generic and biosimilar drugs is making therapies more affordable and accessible. For instance, in March 2025, Apollo Hospitals Health City has launched ColFit, a colorectal cancer screening program, aiming to improve early detection and prevention. The initiative aims to make colorectal cancer screening a routine part of healthcare, ensuring early detection and prevention of the growing threat of colorectal cancer. ColFit not only diagnoses cancer earlier but also aids in its prevention and curing.
Market Competitive Landscape:
The following are the major companies operating in the colorectal cancer drugs market. These players hold a significant share and play an important role in shaping market growth and trends.
- Roche
- Merck & Co., Inc.
- Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Amgen
- Pfizer
- Eli Lilly and Company
- Bayer
- Taiho Oncology
Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, Roche, Merck & Co., Pfizer, Amgen, Bayer, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Ipsen, and Taiho Oncology dominating. Their strong oncology pipelines and portfolios in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy drive market growth. Innovative treatments, FDA approvals, and strategic collaborations further support market growth. Mergers and acquisitions further strengthen their drug pipelines.
Key Developments
In February 2025, Colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer in the US, is decreasing in incidence and deaths. The American Cancer Society reported a 1.2% annual decrease in colorectal cancer death rates in the past decade, attributed to earlier detection and treatment improvements. These advancements, many of which were developed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, are encouraging.
In December 2024, Pfizer has received FDA approval for BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 for treating metastatic colorectal cancer patients with a BRAF V600E mutation, as confirmed by an FDA-approved test.
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