The small cell lung cancer (SCLC) treatment market is expected to grow from US$ 4,480.85 million in 2022 to US$ 9,173.60 million by 2030; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2022 to 2030.

The rising prevalence of SCLC and the availability of therapeutics and combination therapy for the small cell lung cancer treatment market are noteworthy factors driving the growth of the SCLC treatment market. Product launches and fast product approvals are also key factors responsible for providing lucrative market opportunities during 2020-2030.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive form of lung cancer characterized by a rapid and uncontrolled growth of certain cells in the lungs. The primary risk factor of SCLC is the consumption of tobacco and smoking, with symptoms varying from person to person. The SCLC is broken down into main stages, such as limited-stage disease and extensive-stage disease. The SCLC-affected individuals are more often treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and in the case of early-stage cancer, surgery may be recommended.

Future Trend

CAR T Cell Therapy to Provide New Treatment Option

New research approaches to treat SCLC may show great promise in the forthcoming years. CAR-T cell therapy is one example that has revealed a great promise to SCLC in the pre-clinical study. CAR T cell therapy, a "living drug," is responsible for showing pharmacological activity, such as re-engineering a patient's T cells that can attach themselves to cancer cells and destroy them. Delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3), an antigen found on the surface of SCLC tumor cells, includes high-grade cancers of the lung, prostate, breast, pancreas & intestinal tract, and therefore, CAR T cell therapy targeting DDL3 could provide new treatment options for those diseases. Therefore, advancements in CAR T cell therapy will act as a new market trend in the near future ultimately driving the market growth during 2020-2030.

Growth Drivers:

Rising Prevalence of SCLC and Availability of Therapeutics

According to the Genentech, Inc. 2023 report, SCLC accounts for approximately 13% of all lung cancer cases with difficulty treating. Therefore, SCLC is the most aggressive type of lung cancer, with a 5-year survival rate. Current therapeutic options for SCLC are limited, and there is an unmet need for novel, effective treatments to improve survival. For example, first-line platinum-based chemotherapy (CT) is a mainstay recommended for the treatment. Also, combination chemotherapy drugs such as "Cisplastin" and" Carboplastin" are the most recommended drugs to use in combination with "Etoposide" to treat SCLC.

The National Cancer Institute report reveals that SCLC accounts for nearly 15% of bronchogenic carcinomas. However, the overall incidence of SCLC in the US has decreased during the past few decades as patients have responded well to chemoradiation. For example, thoracic radiation also improved long-term healthcare outcomes for the patients. Therefore, the rising prevalence of SCLC among the population and the availability of specific therapeutics for the treatment are key factors responsible for the influential growth of the global SCLC market during the forecast period 2020-2030.

Treatment-Based Insights

Based on treatment, the SCLC treatment market is segmented into chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and others. In 2022, the chemotherapy segment held the largest share of the market. Small-cell lung cancer tends to respond well to chemotherapy initially. The chemotherapy drugs for SCLC are usually given through a vein as an intravenous (IV) infusion. Two of the most common chemotherapy drugs for SCLC include "Etoposide Plus Cisplatin" and "Etoposide Plus carboplatin." Additionally, "Topotecan and Lurbinectedin" are chemo drugs that can be taken by patients suffering from SCLC. Therefore, the availability of chemotherapy drugs in combination with the treatment of SCLC is expected to influence the market for the segment during 2020-2030.

Stages-Based Insights

The SCLC treatment market based on stage is bifurcated into extensive stage and limited stage. In 2022, the extensive stage segment held the largest share of the market. The same segment is expected to register the highest CAGR in the market during 2022-2030. The extensive stage SCLC spreads widely throughout the lungs, lymph nodes, chest, and other body parts (including bone marrow). As per the American Cancer Society, Inc., 2023 report, about 2 out of 3 people with SCLC have extensive disease in which cancer is first detected. Therefore, with the rising extensive stage of the disease, chemotherapy is the first line treatment option to control the cancer better.

End-User Based Insights

Based on end users, the SCLC treatment market is segmented into hospitals, specialty clinics, homecare settings, and others. In 2022, the hospitals segment held the largest share of the market. However, the specialty clinics segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR during 2022-2030. The SCLC treatment is majorly provided in hospitals as a team of pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons work closely and create a customized treatment plan for SCLC. The treatment plan includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Also, hospitals provide multidisciplinary treatments for SCLC and a full range of medical conditions. Also, various support services are provided to improve patients' quality of life and comprehensive and compassionate care. These comprehensive services include pulmonary rehabilitation, smoking cessation, psychological & social support, and integrative therapies. The NYU Langone Hospital is one such example of SCLC therapies. Therefore, customized treatment plans and support services offered by the hospitals are the major factors expected to influence the market growth during 2020-2030.