New and novel oncology treatments are helping improve the standard of care for many people living with cancer. Last year alone, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved oncology drugs that treat more than 50 indications, including 11 first-in-class therapeutics. A growing number of breakthrough innovations emphasize personalized treatments for what were previously considered “undruggable targets” – which could not be targeted pharmacologically.
Oncology is the largest and fastest-growing area of research and development in the pharmaceutical industry, with a value that is tens of billions of dollars higher than endocrine and metabolic conditions, the second-ranking area. While IQVIA measured the value of the oncology market at $188 billion globally in 2021, it is expected to double by 2027 due in part to the pipeline of new therapies and improved screening processes.
Two categories of treatments dominate the oncology drug pipeline
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are oncology treatments in which much innovation is anticipated in 2025. ICIs, which have been approved to treat breast, bladder, lung, and other cancers, are a type of immunotherapy that works by blocking proteins called checkpoints that can prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells. By blocking these checkpoint proteins, ICIs allow the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
More than 20 ICIs are in the pipeline, along with new indications for the 16 ICIs already on the market. These expansions will allow ICIs to treat new tumor types, treat additional stages for tumor types that have been approved, and employ novel mechanisms of delivery.
For example, two ICIs, atezolizumab and nivolumab, recently were reformulated and have been approved to be administered as subcutaneous injections rather than an IV infusion. Subcutaneous injections are less invasive than IV infusions, take less time to administer, and may enable patients to use a more convenient and less costly site of care.
ADCs treat many types of cancer, including lymphoma and bladder cancer, by combining traditional chemotherapy with an antibody that can target the cancer more precisely, maximizing effectiveness while reducing side effects.
About 50 ADCs are in the oncology pipeline and 13 have reached the market. We expect continued growth with expanded indications fueled by post-approval research for medicines that treat certain types of breast and gastric cancers.
“The oncology pipeline is one of the most advanced and promising when it comes to new treatment options for patients,” said Amanda Lewallen, PharmD, BCOP, senior clinical advisor at Accredo by Evernorth. “It takes a dedicated, passionate team to keep pace with the volume of innovation in the oncology space, and this innovation is something that we continue to monitor closely within Accredo.”
Surrounding patients with specialized care throughout their treatment journey
Accredo cares for cancer patients through its Oncology Therapeutic Resource Center (TRC), where more than 170 colleagues are focused on oncology treatments and provide personalized and expert support to patients. The team includes:
- Pharmacists, who manage and dispense medications and counsel patients.
- Nurses, who offer clinical support and monitor patient progress.
- Patient care advocates, who assist with refill reminders, schedule prescription deliveries, and answer patients’ questions.
- Dietitians, who offer tailored nutrition plans to patients.
- Social workers, who provide support and help patients find resources.
“Patient care is at the center of everything we do within our Oncology TRC and within Accredo overall,” said Andy Liu, PharmD, MBA, product management director at Accredo. “We dedicate the time, energy, and resources to help ensure we’re taking the best possible care of our patients.”
Learn more about our Oncology TRC and how Accredo cares for cancer patients.
