Oral Cancer Treatment Market

Oral Cancer Treatment Market Size:

The global oral cancer treatment market size reached USD 2.0 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 3.1 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.86% during 2025-2033. The market is expanding rapidly driven by the increasing prevalence of oral cancer across the globe, rapid advancements in treatment technologies, heightened awareness about the disease and early detection initiatives, growing healthcare expenditure and insurance coverage, and the rising collaborative efforts in cancer research funding.

Oral Cancer Treatment Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: Key drivers influencing the market growth include the rising prevalence of oral cancer, changing lifestyle factors like tobacco and alcohol use, rapid technological advancements in treatment methods, early detection initiatives, and growing healthcare expenditure and insurance coverage.
• Key Market Trends: The market trends involve the ongoing shift toward personalized medicine due to the rising prominence of targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Additionally, the rapid inclusion of radiation therapy and precision techniques in treatment strategies is bolstering market growth.
• Geographical Trends: North America leads the market owing to advanced healthcare systems and high investment in cancer research. Other regions are also showing significant growth, fueled by increasing awareness and improving healthcare infrastructure.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the leading oral cancer treatment companies include Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and Merck & Co. Inc., among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The market confronts several challenges, including the high cost of cutting-edge medicines and global gaps in healthcare access. On the other hand, the ongoing research into novel treatment modalities, and the possibility of early identification and screening initiatives, are generating fresh opportunities for market expansion.

Oral Cancer Treatment Market Trends:

Rapid advancements in cancer treatment technologies

The rapid technological advancements in cancer treatment methods, such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and personalized medicine are major factors propelling the market growth. For instance, as per ecancer, tumors vary significantly from one individual to another, even among those diagnosed with the same type of cancer, like breast cancer. Therefore, precision oncology technology focuses on the unique genetic traits of a tumor to inform treatment approaches. It is feasible to lower side effects by modifying current therapy and reducing the cost of expensive treatments. Besides, the oral cancer treatment market dynamics have changed dramatically, improving treatment results and reducing side effects due to targeted medicines that directly target cancer cells without harming healthy cells. Moreover, immunotherapy empowers the body's immune system to fight cancer cells more effectively. Along with this, the introduction of personalized medicine that tailor treatment to individual patients based on their genetic makeup, facilitating effective and efficient treatment regimens, is bolstering the market growth. These technological advancements make treatments more precise and minimally invasive (MI) while increasing patient survival rates are creating a positive oral cancer treatment market outlook.

Growing awareness and early detection initiatives

The market is expanding due to the growing initiatives for early identification and increased awareness about oral cancer and its symptoms. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), published a Handbook on oral cancer prevention in 2023. It highlights that cutting back on alcohol use, giving up tobacco usage, and using areca nuts such as betel quid with or without tobacco can all significantly lower the chance of developing oral cancer. This was developed through the working group of 25 scientists from 14 countries and forms the first step in the assessment of oral cancer prevention in the IARC handbook series. It synthesizes current evidence for dealing with primary prevention that seeks to prevent the development of cancer and secondary prevention regarding ineffective precancerous conditions and early-stage cancer. Moreover, the widespread organization of public health campaigns and educational programs that help in increasing awareness about the risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection of oral cancer, is acting as a growth-inducing factor. In addition to this, the rising advancements that lead to early detection and improve the success and survival rate of the treatment are fostering market growth. In line with this, the growing awareness among consumers encourages them to seek medical advice for symptoms, thereby leading to an increase in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer, which is positively increasing the oral cancer treatment market revenue.

Heightened collaboration and funding for cancer research

The escalating collaborative efforts among research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare providers, leading to significant advancements in understanding and treatment of oral cancer, is a major factor contributing to the market growth. In addition to this, the increasing funding from government agencies, non-profit organizations (NGOs), and private entities for ongoing research and development (R&D) in cancer treatment is catalyzing market growth. For instance, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was awarded a $3.25 Million grant to researchers at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. This funding will support their study of the effects of HIV on the human body, ranging from mouth lesions to oral cancer. Besides this, the burgeoning reliance on funding to support a wide range of activities, including basic research, understanding cancer biology, clinical trials, new treatment tests, and the development of innovative technologies, is offering remunerative growth opportunities for the market.

Oral Cancer Treatment Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, treatment type, age group, and end-user.

Breakup by Type:

• Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Oral Verrucous Carcinoma
• Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
• Oral Cavity Lymphomas
   

Oral squamous cell carcinoma represents the leading market segment 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes oral squamous cell carcinoma, oral verrucous carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and oral cavity lymphomas. According to the report, oral squamous cell carcinoma represented the largest segment.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents the largest segment owing to its heightened occurrence among individuals across the globe. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the predominant type of oral malignancy, accounting for 80-90% of all malignant tumors in the oral cavity. It is present in the squamous cells lining the oral cavity. OSCC is strongly associated with tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection. Additionally, the increasing research and innovation efforts in OSCC, leading to the availability of various treatment options, such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, are boosting the market growth. Besides this, the growing awareness about risk factors and the heightened push for early detection and screening programs are enhancing the market growth.

Oral verrucous carcinoma is a rare type of oral cancer characterized by slow-growing, locally invasive tumors. The rising focus on surgical treatments and the development of targeted therapies that effectively manage this unique type of cancer is fostering the market growth. Along with this, the increasing research into the molecular and genetic underpinnings of oral verrucous carcinoma, leading to personalized and effective treatment options, is favoring the market growth.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma occurs in the salivary glands, known for its heterogeneous nature, ranging from low-grade, slow-growing tumors to high-grade, aggressive forms. The treatment involves surgery combined with radiation or chemotherapy in more aggressive cases. Moreover, rapid advancements in surgical techniques and the ongoing development of targeted therapies and novel chemotherapeutic agents are boosting the market growth.

Oral cavity lymphomas occur on the lymphatic system presented in the oral cavity. The treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and, in some cases, targeted biological therapies. Moreover, the development of new chemotherapeutic and immunomodulatory agents, as well as advancements in radiation therapy techniques, are fostering the market growth.

Breakup by Treatment Type:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation Therapy
• Targeted Therapy
• Surgery
• Others
   

Radiation therapy exhibits a clear dominance in the market 

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the treatment type has also been provided in the report. This includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, surgery, and others. According to the report, radiation therapy accounted for the largest market share.

The oral cancer treatment market forecast indicates significant growth, with radiation therapy emerging as the largest segment. Additionally, radiation therapy is primarily driven by its efficacy in treating various stages of oral cancer. Moreover, the rising adoption of radiation therapy owing to its ability to target cancerous cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue, is supporting the market growth. Additionally, the development of advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and brachytherapy, which enhances the precision and effectiveness of radiation therapy, is acting as a growth-inducing factor. Besides this, the heightened awareness about the versatility of the therapy as a standalone treatment or in combination with other modalities, such as surgery and chemotherapy is fueling the market growth.

Chemotherapy is utilized with other treatment modalities and involves the application of drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is utilized in cases where the cancer has metastasized or as a neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. Moreover, the continuous development of new chemotherapeutic agents and drug combinations to increase efficacy and reduce toxicity is strengthening the market growth.

Targeted therapy offers a more personalized approach to cancer treatment. It focuses on specific molecular targets associated with cancer growth and spread. Moreover, the rising popularity of targeted therapy due to its higher efficacy and lower side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy is enhancing the market growth. Additionally, the development of targeted drugs that can inhibit specific pathways or proteins involved in oral cancer progression is driving the market growth.

Surgery is known as the first line of treatment for many types of oral cancers, particularly those detected at an early stage. Surgical interventions include minor procedures, removal of small tumors, and more extensive surgeries involving the removal of larger areas of the mouth or throat. The increasing demand for surgeries driven by rapid advancements in techniques and technologies, including minimally invasive (MI) procedures and robotic surgery, is fueling the market growth.

Breakup by Age Group:

• 30-49
• 50-69
• Above 70
   

50-69 dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the age group. This includes 30-49, 50-69, and above 70. According to the report, 50-69 represented the largest segment.

Oral cancer treatment market insights suggest that the 50-69 age group is gaining popularity due to prolonged exposure to risk factors, like tobacco and alcohol use, as well as the accumulation of genetic mutations over time. Moreover, the increasing availability of treatment options for individuals in this demographic, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, is fostering the market growth. Along with this, the rising investment in research for new treatment methods and technologies, coupled with heightened patient education and adoption of preventive measures, is boosting the market growth. Besides this, the growing emphasis on effective treatment, combined with quality-of-life considerations, is stimulating the market growth.

The 30-49 age group represents a smaller segment, as oral cancer in this demographic is less common. However, they are associated with specific risk factors, such as HPV infection and lifestyle choices. Moreover, rapid advances in early detection and treatment, as younger patients have better overall health, are propelling the market growth.

Individuals above the age of 70 represent a smaller section, and the treatment approach is influenced by the patient's overall health and the presence of comorbidities. The choice of treatment is more conservative, prioritizing the quality of life and managing side effects, with a focus on less invasive treatments.

Breakup by End-User:

• Hospital
• Home Care
• Specialty Clinics
• Others
   

Hospital is the predominant market segment

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end user has also been provided in the report. This includes hospital, home care, specialty clinics, and others. According to the report, hospital accounted for the largest market share.

Hospitals represent the largest share, attributed to their comprehensive care, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment follow-up. Hospitals are equipped with advanced technologies and a team of specialized professionals, making them well-suited for managing complex oral cancer cases that require multidisciplinary approaches. Moreover, the increasing availability of services like surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and supportive care for patients are bolstering the market growth. Besides this, the presence of specialized oncology departments in hospitals and their capability to offer a wide range of treatments is increasing the oral cancer treatment demand.

Specialty clinics focus on specific treatment modalities, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. They offer a personalized approach and provide quicker access to care compared to hospitals. Moreover, the rising popularity of specialty clinics among patients seeking specialized treatments or second opinions is propelling the market growth.

Home care treatment plans cater to patients who require ongoing care without hospitalization, such as those in recovery or with advanced-stage cancer. Home care services provide nursing care, pain management, nutritional support, and psychological counseling. The increasing preference for at-home care among patients, which can provide comfort and reduce hospital-related expenses, is fostering market growth.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest oral cancer treatment market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America was the largest regional market for oral cancer treatment.

North America represents the largest market share due to advanced healthcare infrastructure and the presence of leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that are engaged in cancer research. Moreover, the growing prevalence of oral cancer due to lifestyle factors like tobacco and alcohol use is boosting the market growth. Additionally, the strong focus on cancer research to develop new treatment modalities, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies, is acting as a growth-inducing factor. Along with this, the well-established healthcare policies and reimbursement frameworks, which facilitate access to cancer treatment, are contributing to the oral cancer treatment market growth. For instance, on 18 July 2024, Calidi Biotherapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotech firm focused on developing a new class of targeted antitumor virotherapies, revealed it has secured a new patent for its SuperNova technology. This development enhances its intellectual property holdings and facilitates the progression of its CLD-201 program toward clinical trials. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted U.S. Patent No. 12,036,278, entitled to a smallpox vaccine for cancer treatment. This patent covers the SuperNova platform, which uses adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells armed with an oncolytic vaccinia virus.

Europe’s oral cancer treatment market scope is characterized by advanced healthcare systems and robust cancer research initiatives. Moreover, the rising standards of healthcare, with considerable investments in cancer research and treatment, are boosting the market growth. Besides this, the increasing awareness about oral cancer, growing government support for healthcare, and the adoption of modern treatment techniques are strengthening the market growth.

The Asia Pacific region is growing exponentially, due to its large population base and increasing prevalence of oral cancer. Moreover, improving healthcare infrastructure, rising healthcare spending, and growing awareness of oral cancer are strengthening the market growth. Besides this, the development and adoption of new treatment modalities due to the rising incidence of oral cancer linked to factors, such as tobacco consumption and dietary habits are favoring the market growth.

Latin America’s market is influenced by the gradual improvement in healthcare infrastructure and increasing access to healthcare services in various countries. Moreover, the growing public awareness about oral cancer and its risk factors, as well as the introduction of modern treatment methods, is anticipated to drive the market growth.

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is showing potential for growth in the market, driven by factors, such as escalating healthcare investments, rising focus on healthcare reforms, and the establishment of specialized cancer treatment centers. Besides this, the heightened focus on efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and increase public awareness about oral cancer are driving the market growth.

Competitive Landscape:

• The oral cancer treatment market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the oral cancer treatment industry include Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and Merck & Co. Inc.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• Major players are engaged in various strategic initiatives to strengthen their positions. They are investing in research and innovation activities to discover novel therapeutics and refine existing treatments to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects. For instance, on 17 January 2023, Alkermes plc., disclosed that its experimental and newly engineered interleukin-2 (IL-2) variant immunotherapy, nemvaleukin alfa (nemvaleukin), has received the Innovation Passport from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the United Kingdom (UK) for treating mucosal melanoma. This designation marks the beginning of the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP), designed to expedite the introduction of medicines to the market and improve access for patients in the UK suffering from life-threatening or seriously debilitating conditions, or those with significant public health needs. Moreover, many companies are focusing on the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, representing a new frontier in oral cancer treatment. Besides this, they are forming collaborations and partnerships to combine expertise, share resources, and accelerate the development of new treatments. Additionally, the leading firms are also focusing on mergers to expand their portfolios and enter new markets.

Oral Cancer Treatment Market News:

• In December 2023, Bristol Myers Squibb announced that it will showcase data demonstrating improved outcomes in earlier stages of oral cancer, durable long-term benefits with OPDIVO-based regimens. 
• In January 2024, Merck & Co. Inc. announced that Gebasaxturev is under clinical development and is currently in Phase II for Oral Cavity (Mouth) Cancer.
• 25 May 2024, Rakuten Medical, Inc., a leading global biotech firm specializing in precision, cell-targeting photoimmunotherapy through its Alluminox™ platform, announced that it will present recent interim results from a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial at ASCO 2024. The trial investigates ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy in combination with anti-PD-1 as a first-line treatment for recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The data indicate a 24-month overall survival rate of 52.4%, with a generally well-tolerated safety profile. Following a Type B End-of-Phase 2 (EOP2) meeting with the US FDA, Rakuten Medical reviewed critical aspects of a multi-regional registrational study for this combination. Plans are underway to launch a global Phase 3 clinical trial targeting overall survival as the primary endpoint in the second half of 2024.

Oral Cancer Treatment Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the oral cancer treatment market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global oral cancer treatment market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the oral cancer treatment industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.