Growth Factors of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) therapeutics Market
The global metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) therapeutics market is on a rapid growth trajectory, driven by the rising prevalence of advanced prostate cancer and the increasing demand for effective treatment options. The market was valued at USD 21.04 billion in 2025, projected to grow to USD 29.08 billion in 2026, and is expected to reach USD 91.85 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 15.46% during the forecast period. North America dominated the market in 2025, holding a 87.63% share, supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure, strong reimbursement policies, and extensive research and development activities.
mCRPC is an advanced form of prostate cancer where tumors no longer fully respond to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and may spread to bones, lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and the brain. The aggressive nature of this cancer, combined with high morbidity and mortality, creates an urgent need for novel therapeutics. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, approximately 1.46 million new cancer cases were registered worldwide in 2022, emphasizing the growing demand for effective treatments.
Market Drivers
The market growth is propelled by several key factors:
- Robust drug pipelines: Pharmaceutical companies are actively developing next-generation androgen receptor inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, and CYP17 inhibitors to address the challenges of treatment-resistant prostate cancer.
- Collaborations and partnerships: For instance, in July 2022, Merck & Co., Inc. and Orion Corporation co-developed opevesostat (MK-5684/ODM-208), a CYP11A1 inhibitor for mCRPC.
- Therapeutic advancements: The launch of innovative combination therapies, such as pairing PARP inhibitors with AR inhibitors, significantly enhances treatment outcomes and combats resistance to ADT.
Market Restraints and Challenges
Despite the positive growth trajectory, several factors limit market expansion:
- Resistance to hormonal therapy: Over time, prostate cancer cells may adapt to androgen deprivation, reducing the effectiveness of conventional treatments. Mutations in androgen receptor pathways further contribute to resistance.
- Adverse side effects: Drugs like ZYTIGA (abiraterone) and enzalutamide are associated with joint swelling, hypokalemia, edema, diarrhea, and cardiovascular risks, which may lead to discontinuation and impact patient compliance.
Market Opportunities
- Emergence of radiotheranostics: Combining diagnostic imaging with targeted therapy allows personalized treatment, improving efficacy while minimizing side effects. For example, in November 2023, Clarity Pharmaceuticals initiated a Phase I/IIa trial for 64Cu/67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA in mCRPC patients.
- Growing adoption of combination therapies: Initiatives like Pfizer's TALAPRO-2 study in October 2024 show improved survival outcomes using PARP inhibitors with androgen receptor inhibitors.
Segmentation Analysis
By Drug Class
- Androgen receptor inhibitors dominate the market due to their role in blocking testosterone-driven cancer growth.
- GnRH agonists, GnRH receptor antagonists, microtubule inhibitors, and PARP inhibitors are projected to grow steadily due to new approvals and collaborations.
By Route of Administration
- Oral therapies dominate due to convenience, patient adherence, and better compliance.
- Parenteral therapies are growing through innovative clinical trials, such as Actinium-225 by POINT Biopharma (April 2024).
By Therapy
- Hormonal therapy leads, supported by widespread adoption of androgen deprivation therapy and availability of generics like Abiraterone Acetate.
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy segments are expanding, while chemotherapy holds a smaller share due to side effects.
By Distribution Channel
- Hospital pharmacies dominate, owing to advanced healthcare infrastructure.
- Retail and online pharmacies are growing due to convenience and accessibility.
Regional Insights
- North America: Market size USD 11.31 billion in 2025, supported by the U.S. and Canada's robust healthcare systems, reimbursement policies, and R&D.
- Europe: Rising awareness campaigns and new diagnostic tools propel growth. For example, a new 'super test' developed in Cambridge (February 2025) enables early detection.
- Asia Pacific: Fastest-growing region with a CAGR of 13.6%, fueled by increasing prostate cancer prevalence and research funding initiatives.
- Latin America & Middle East & Africa: Moderate growth is anticipated, with increased government initiatives and expansion of cancer care centers.
Key Industry Players
Leading companies such as Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc., AbbVie Inc., and AstraZeneca dominate the market through extensive product portfolios, regulatory approvals, collaborations, and new launches. Notable developments include:
- August 2023: FDA approval of AKEEGA (niraparib + abiraterone) for mCRPC by Johnson & Johnson.
- June 2023: AstraZeneca's Lynparza (olaparib) approved for patients with BRCA mutations.
- December 2022: Novartis' Pluvicto approved by European Commission as targeted radioligand therapy.
Conclusion
The global metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer therapeutics market is projected to grow from USD 21.04 billion in 2025 to USD 91.85 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 15.46%. Market expansion is driven by the rising prevalence of advanced prostate cancer, robust R&D pipelines, innovative combination therapies, and emerging radiotheranostics. North America dominates, while Asia Pacific represents the fastest-growing region. Leading companies' strategic initiatives, product launches, and research collaborations are expected to sustain market growth and enhance treatment outcomes for mCRPC patients globally.
Segmentation By Drug Class
- Androgen Receptor Inhibitors
- Microtubule Inhibitors
- Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonist
- Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Receptor Antagonist
- Others
By Route of Administration
By Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormonal Therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
By Distribution Channel
- Hospital Pharmacies
- Drug Stores & Retail Pharmacies
- Online Pharmacies
By Geography
- North America (By Drug Class, By Route of Administration, By Therapy, By Distribution Channel, and By Country)
- Europe (By Drug Class, By Route of Administration, By Therapy, By Distribution Channel, and By Country/Sub-Region)
- U.K.
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- Italy
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific (By Drug Class, By Route of Administration, By Therapy, By Distribution Channel, and By Country/Sub-Region)
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Latin America (By Drug Class, By Route of Administration, By Therapy, By Distribution Channel, and By Country/Sub-Region)
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Rest of Latin America
- Middle East & Africa ( By Drug Class, By Route of Administration, By Therapy, By Distribution Channel, and By Country/Sub-Region)
- GCC
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa