 Pharmacor --
June 2005
 You Need to Know
How are treatment paradigms
evolving in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)? In light of recent clinical
trial evidence, what is the future of gefitinib in this market? How will novel
agents be incorporated into current treatment regimens?
Introduction
The marketplace for therapies to
treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), one of the most common and deadly
forms of cancer, is undergoing rapid change. Our research has revealed three
major forces that will continue to drive market expansion: an increase in the
number of patients deemed eligible for chemotherapy; the rapid uptake of novel
targeted therapies; and increasing use of newer, branded agents in chemotherapy
regimens. Despite recent advances in treatment, however, NSCLC carries a huge
burden of unmet need for agents that can prevent disease recurrence and are
less toxic than current therapies.
Key Findings
 In 2004, there were 0.5 million incident cases of NSCLC in the
seven major markets we cover (United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain,
United Kingdom, and Japan). This population is expected to grow at a moderate
rate owing to the aging population and increased tobacco use, especially in
women. Sales growth, starting from a base of $2.4 billion in 2004, will be much
more aggressive, primarily driven by the availability of novel agents.
The availability of agents with improved activity in advanced disease
is the greatest unmet need in NSCLC. Although 40% of patients present with
advanced-stage disease, only approximately one-third of these patients will
respond to current standard chemotherapy. Novel agents that can improve the
prognoses of these patients are urgently required.
Taxanes are the leading drug class by value in the NSCLC market.
Their market dominance will falter owing to the combined effects of generics
erosion in the second half of our forecast period and the introduction of
novel, highly priced biological agents.
The role of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the
pathology of NSCLC remains controversial. Although EGFR is overexpressed in
40-80% of tumors, expression does not necessarily correlate with response to
anti-EGFR therapies. Conflicting results from clinical trials of gefitinib
(AstraZeneca's Iressa) and erlotinib (OSI/Genentech/Roche's
Tarceva) are likely to fuel speculation.
Why Buy This Report?
Explore the changing treatment paradigms in each country under
study.
Assess the impact of novel biological agents in this market.
Discover how the EGFR inhibitors will fare in the clinic and the
marketplace.
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