India Cancer Therapeutics Market Therapy Type (Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, Hormonal Therapy, and Others), By Application (Blood Cancer, Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer, Glioblastoma, Malignant Meningioma, Mesothelioma, Melanoma, Others), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

India Cancer Therapeutics Market was valued at USD 642.41 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1,128.23 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 9.80% during the forecast period.

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 significant healthcare challenge, driving the demand for advanced therapeutics and early detection. Statistics indicate that one in nine Indians may develop cancer in their lifetime. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) projects a 12.8% increase in cancer cases by 2025 compared to 2020. Among men, lung cancer is the most prevalent, while breast cancer is the leading malignancy in women, highlighting the urgent need for better screening and innovative treatment solutions.

Several factors contribute to India's increasing cancer rates. Lifestyle changes, including higher tobacco and alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and sedentary habits, have elevated cancer risk, particularly in urban areas. Smoking alone is linked to nearly 27% of all cancers in men. Additionally, environmental factors such as severe air pollution and exposure to industrial chemicals have caused a surge in lung and respiratory cancers. Cities like Delhi report some of the highest incidences, directly linked to poor air quality.

Demographics and genetic predisposition also play a crucial role. As life expectancy increases, more people are in age groups with a higher risk for cancers such as prostate and colorectal. Women's health is a key area of concern, with breast cancer cases rising at a 2% annual rate. Cervical cancer remains a major public health issue, especially in rural areas where screening and vaccination rates are lower, emphasizing the need for targeted healthcare interventions.

Despite these alarming trends, India is advancing in early detection, diagnostics, and treatment access. Awareness campaigns, the growth of oncology centers, and government schemes like Ayushman Bharat are helping to bridge the gap. To combat the growing cancer burden effectively, India must invest in biomarker-driven therapies, AI-based screening tools, and affordable cancer care. This will ensure that life-saving treatments reach every corner of the country and are accessible to all.

Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure

India’s expanding healthcare infrastructure is crucial for improving access to cancer diagnostics and treatment, directly fueling the growth of its cancer therapeutics market. With a rising cancer burden, the nation is investing heavily to strengthen its healthcare network, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. As of March 2023, a vast network of sub-centers, primary and community health centers, and hospitals forms a vital foundation for timely diagnosis and referral to specialized oncological care, addressing historical accessibility challenges for patients nationwide.

Key government initiatives are pivotal in making cancer care more accessible. The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) allows economically weaker sections to afford high-cost treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Concurrently, the National Cancer Grid (NCG), a network of over 270 cancer centers, helps standardize care across India. This ensures patients from all regions can receive high-quality, consistent treatment at specialized government hospitals and tertiary care centers, enhancing the overall quality of oncology services.

Private healthcare investment is another major force driving India's oncology infrastructure growth. Leading hospital chains like Apollo, Fortis, and Max Healthcare are expanding their oncology departments with state-of-the-art facilities. These centers are introducing advanced technologies such as proton therapy, robotic surgery, and precision medicine. This expansion is also boosted by medical tourism, as India emerges as a preferred global destination for affordable yet advanced cancer treatments, further stimulating infrastructure development and innovation.

Despite significant progress, gaps in specialized oncology care persist, particularly in remote regions. To bridge this divide, India is integrating innovative technologies like telemedicine and AI-driven diagnostics into its healthcare ecosystem. These tools are critical for enabling early cancer detection and timely intervention, regardless of a patient's geographical location. By leveraging technology to enhance accessibility, India is positioned to improve cancer outcomes and ensure comprehensive oncological care reaches every corner of the nation..

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Key Market Challenges

High Cost of Cancer Treatment

The high cost of cancer treatment is a major barrier in India, making advanced therapies inaccessible for many. Standard treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy range from ₹2 lakh to ₹20 lakh, while advanced options like CAR-T cell therapy can exceed ₹50 lakh. These prices place modern cancer care out of reach for a large portion of the population, particularly middle and lower-income families.

Several factors contribute to these high costs. Limited health insurance coverage, even with government schemes like Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY), leaves patients with significant out-of-pocket expenses for the latest treatments. India's reliance on expensive imported drugs from multinational companies further inflates prices. Additionally, with specialized cancer facilities concentrated in cities, rural patients face extra costs for travel and accommodation.

To address this challenge, India must invest in domestic drug manufacturing, biosimilars, and public-private partnerships to make treatments more affordable. Expanding insurance coverage and strengthening government procurement of oncology drugs are also crucial steps. Making cancer therapies more affordable is essential to ensuring equitable and accessible care for all patients across India..

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 projected to rise to 1.57 million by 2025, and one in nine people in India likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, the focus has shifted toward identifying malignancies at an early stage. This is crucial for improving treatment outcomes, especially given that India has a low overall cancer detection rate of 29%. For some of the most prevalent cancers, such as breast and cervical cancer, only 15% and 33% of cases, respectively, are diagnosed in the early stages (1 and 2).

One of the key factors driving this shift is the rising adoption of advanced imaging techniques such as PET-CT scans, MRI, and digital mammography. To meet the growing demand, it is estimated that India will require approximately 500 PET-CT systems by 2025. 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 in the blood, allowing for early intervention without the need for traditional biopsies.

The private healthcare sector is playing a crucial role in expanding access to early cancer detection. Leading diagnostic chains and hospitals are investing in AI-driven screening tools, which enhance diagnostic accuracy. Studies have shown that AI models can detect breast cancer with over 90% accuracy, sometimes outperforming human radiologists. These AI-powered solutions, such as new PET-CT scanners that can detect tumors as small as 1.4 millimeters, reduce diagnostic errors and facilitate early-stage cancer detection. Indian startups are also contributing; for instance, some are using AI with thermal imaging for non-invasive breast cancer screening, a method particularly useful in rural settings. In 2024, the government of Punjab launched an AI-driven cancer screening program, highlighting the growing adoption of this technology.

The increasing demand for genetic and molecular testing is another significant driver of this trend. With the rise of personalized medicine, individuals with a family history of cancer are opting for predictive genetic testing to assess their risk levels. This has fueled the growth of specialized diagnostic labs offering tests for BRCA1/2 mutations (linked to breast and ovarian cancer) and EGFR mutations (associated with lung cancer). The declining cost of these genetic tests is making them more accessible to a broader population, encouraging early intervention strategies.

Corporate wellness programs and cancer awareness campaigns have also contributed to the rise in screening rates. Many private companies now offer regular cancer screening as part of their employee healthcare benefits, leading to higher detection rates, especially for lifestyle-related cancers.

As cancer screening and early detection continue to advance, India’s cancer therapeutics market is poised for further growth. The trend is driving demand for precision oncology, biomarker-based treatments, and targeted therapies, reinforcing the need for an integrated approach to cancer management that combines diagnostics with personalized treatment strategies.

Segmental Insights

Therapy Type Insights

Based on Therapy Type, Chemotherapy have emerged as the dominating segment in the India Cancer Therapeutics Market in 2024. This dominance is attributed to its long-standing use as a primary treatment modality for various cancers and its widespread availability across healthcare facilities in the country. Chemotherapy's established protocols and relatively lower costs compared to newer therapies make it a prevalent choice among oncologists and patients. However, the landscape is evolving with the rapid growth of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the market, driven by its innovative approach of leveraging the body's immune system to combat cancer, offering improved efficacy and reduced side effects.

Application Insights

Based on Application, Lung Cancer have emerged as the fastest growing segment in the India Cancer Therapeutics Market during the forecast period. This is due to a combination of lifestyle factors, environmental triggers, and advancements in treatment options. The rising prevalence of lung cancer is primarily driven by high tobacco consumption, air pollution, and occupational exposure to hazardous substances. Smoking remains the leading cause, with a significant portion of lung cancer cases linked to tobacco use, but increasing cases among non-smokers highlight the role of environmental pollutants and genetic predisposition.

The growth of this segment is further fueled by advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapies, which have transformed the treatment landscape. Traditionally, lung cancer had limited treatment options, often relying on chemotherapy and radiation, which had significant side effects and limited survival benefits. However, the emergence of targeted therapies that focus on genetic mutations such as EGFR, ALK, and ROS1 has significantly improved patient outcomes. Immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, have also gained traction by enhancing the body’s immune response against cancer cells, providing longer-lasting benefits compared to conventional treatments.

Another key factor contributing to the rapid growth of lung cancer therapeutics is increasing early detection rates. Previously, lung cancer was often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to a lack of awareness and screening programs. However, with growing accessibility to low-dose CT scans and improved diagnostic methods, cases are being identified earlier, allowing for more effective intervention. The expansion of private cancer centers and diagnostic chains across India has further accelerated this trend, making advanced lung cancer diagnostics and treatments more accessible beyond metropolitan areas.

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Regional Insights

Based on Region, North India have emerged as the dominating region in the India Cancer Therapeutics Market in 2024. North India has emerged as the leading region in India's cancer therapeutics market in 2024, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, a high prevalence of cancer cases, and increasing access to specialized treatments. The region, which includes states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, has witnessed significant growth in oncology treatment facilities, making it a major hub for cancer care in the country.

One of the key factors behind North India's dominance is its robust medical infrastructure. Cities such as Delhi and Chandigarh house some of India’s top cancer research centers and hospitals, including the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, and PGIMER Chandigarh. These institutions are equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as robotic surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, attracting patients from across the country.

The high burden of cancer cases in North India has further propelled the demand for cancer therapeutics. Rising cases of lung, breast, and cervical cancer—linked to factors such as smoking, pollution, and changing lifestyles have led to increased screening, diagnosis, and treatment adoption. Punjab, in particular, has reported a high incidence of cancer, often attributed to pesticide exposure and environmental factors.

Another major driver for the region's growth is the availability of clinical trials and research collaborations. Many multinational pharmaceutical companies and research institutions are partnering with hospitals in North India to test new therapies and treatment protocols. This has accelerated the adoption of novel cancer drugs and precision medicine approaches, making North India a key region for cancer drug commercialization.

Recent Development

• In September 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated its Model Lists of Essential Medicines to include new treatments for various types of cancer, which is expected to influence availability and access in countries like India.
• In August 2025, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pharmaceuticals re-entered India's oncology market by launching two key drugs: Jemperli (dostarlimab) and Zejula (niraparib).
• In January 2025, Immuneel Therapeutics, a Bengaluru-based company co-founded by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, has introduced Qartemi, India's second CAR-T cell therapy, to treat B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL). This therapy is priced at less than one-tenth of similar treatments in Western countries, offering an affordable option for patients with aggressive blood cancers.
• In April 2024, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled India's first indigenous CAR T-cell therapy for cancer at IIT Bombay. Developed collaboratively by IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Centre, this affordable gene-based treatment exemplifies the 'Make in India' initiative, offering new hope in the fight against cancer.
• In December 2024, Servier India introduced its oncology portfolio by launching Onivyde® (nanoliposomal irinotecan) for metastatic pancreatic cancer. This initiative underscores Servier's dedication to providing therapies for hard-to-treat cancers, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
• In October 2024, Aster DM Healthcare introduced India's first Intra-Operative Electron Radiation Therapy (IOeRT) at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru. This advanced technology delivers targeted radiation during surgery, enhancing treatment precision and reducing recovery times for cancer patients.

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:

o   Chemotherapy

o   Targeted Therapy

o   Immunotherapy

o   Hormonal Therapy

o   Others

• India Cancer Therapeutics Market, By Application:

o   Blood Cancer

o   Lung Cancer

o   Breast Cancer

o   Cervical Cancer

o   Head and Neck Cancer

o   Glioblastoma

o   Malignant Meningioma

o   Mesothelioma

o   Melanoma

o   Others

• India Cancer Therapeutics Market, By Region:

o   East India

o   West India

o   North India

o   South India

Competitive Landscape

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

Available Customizations:

India Cancer Therapeutics Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research 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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