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 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.

Moreover, aging populations and genetic predisposition play a crucial role in rising cancer cases. As life expectancy increases, more individuals are entering age groups at higher risk for cancer, particularly for malignancies such as prostate, colorectal, and ovarian cancers. Women’s health remains a key concern, with breast cancer cases in India rising at an annual rate of 2%, while cervical cancer, once the most common in women, still remains a major public health issue, particularly in rural areas where screening and vaccination rates are lower.

Despite these alarming trends, India is making strides in improving early detection, diagnostics, and treatment accessibility. Increased awareness campaigns, the expansion of oncology centers, and government-backed initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat are gradually bridging the gap between early diagnosis and timely treatment. However, to effectively combat the growing cancer burden, India must further invest in biomarker-driven therapies, AI-based screening tools, and affordable cancer care solutions, ensuring that life-saving treatments reach every corner of the country.

Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure

India’s expanding healthcare infrastructure is playing a pivotal role in improving access to cancer diagnostics and treatment, thereby driving the growth of the cancer therapeutics market. With a rapidly increasing cancer burden, the country has been making significant investments in strengthening its healthcare network, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where accessibility has historically been a challenge. As of March 31, 2023, India had a total of 1,69,615 Sub-Centres (SCs), 31,882 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 6,359 Community Health Centres (CHCs), 1,340 Sub-Divisional/District Hospitals (SDHs), 714 District Hospitals (DHs), and 362 Medical Colleges (MCs). This extensive network is crucial in ensuring that cancer patients receive timely diagnoses and referrals to specialized oncological care centers.

One of the most impactful initiatives boosting healthcare infrastructure is the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), which has significantly improved access to cancer treatment for economically weaker sections by covering high-cost therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation. Additionally, the establishment of cancer treatment hubs in major government hospitals and the expansion of tertiary care centers specializing in oncology have made advanced treatment options more accessible. The National Cancer Grid (NCG), a network of over 270 cancer centers, has further enhanced the standardization of care across the country, enabling patients from rural regions to receive high-quality treatment.

Private healthcare investment has also been a major driver of infrastructure growth. Leading hospital chains such as Apollo, Fortis, and Max Healthcare have been expanding their oncology departments, introducing state-of-the-art facilities such as proton therapy, robotic surgery, and precision medicine. The rise of medical tourism has further encouraged infrastructure development, with India emerging as a preferred destination for affordable yet advanced cancer treatments.

However, despite these advancements, gaps remain, particularly in remote regions where specialized oncology care is still limited. To bridge this gap, telemedicine and AI-driven diagnostics are being integrated into India’s healthcare ecosystem, ensuring early detection and timely intervention. As healthcare infrastructure continues to expand, India is poised to improve cancer outcomes and enhance the overall accessibility of oncological care across the nation.

Download Free Sample Report

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.

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 accuracy in detecting abnormalities in mammograms, chest X-rays, and pathology slides. These AI-powered solutions reduce diagnostic errors and facilitate early-stage cancer detection, particularly in resource-limited settings.

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.

Download Free Sample Report

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 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).

India Cancer Therapeutics Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at sales@techsciresearch.com