The global Cancer Gene Therapy Market is undergoing rapid transformation, propelled by cutting-edge breakthroughs in genetic modification, rising cancer incidence, and the growing demand for more personalized oncology treatments. As conventional therapies struggle to deliver consistent results across patient populations, gene therapy is gaining prominence for its ability to precisely target cancer at the molecular level.
Global Gene Therapy Market size and share is currently valued at USD 2,251.50 million in 2024 and is anticipated to generate an estimated revenue of USD 27,250.20 million by 2034, according to the latest study by Polaris Market Research. Besides, the report notes that the market exhibits a robust 27.1% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the forecasted timeframe, 2025 - 2034
Market Overview
Cancer gene therapy involves modifying the genetic makeup of cells to treat or prevent cancer. It utilizes viral or non-viral vectors to deliver therapeutic genes into cancer cells or immune cells to alter their behavior. The goal is to either replace faulty genes, enhance immune response, induce apoptosis in cancer cells, or improve the efficacy of other treatments.
Gene therapy for cancer spans multiple therapeutic approaches, including:
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Oncolytic viral therapy
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Gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT)
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Immune modulation and CAR-T therapy
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Gene silencing and CRISPR/Cas9 editing
The market's rapid development is aligned with the broader trend of integrating molecular diagnostics and gene sequencing to develop tailored therapies based on individual tumor profiles.
Market Segmentation
The Cancer Gene Therapy Market is segmented based on therapy type, vector type, indication, end-user, and region:
By Therapy Type:
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Gene Transfer Therapy
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Oncolytic Virotherapy
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Immune Cell Gene Therapy (e.g., CAR-T)
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Gene Editing (CRISPR/Cas9, ZFNs)
Among these, immune cell gene therapy currently holds the largest market share due to successful commercial launches like CAR-T therapies and increased focus on immuno-oncology.
By Vector Type:
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Viral Vectors (Adenovirus, Lentivirus, Retrovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus)
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Non-Viral Vectors (Liposomes, Nanoparticles, Electroporation)
Viral vectors dominate the market, attributed to their high transfection efficiency, although non-viral options are gaining traction for their safety profile.
By Indication:
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Lung Cancer
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Breast Cancer
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Prostate Cancer
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Pancreatic Cancer
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Colorectal Cancer
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Others (Leukemia, Melanoma)
Lung cancer remains a key indication due to its high prevalence and urgent need for more effective treatments.
By End User:
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Hospitals & Clinics
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Research Institutes
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Biotech & Pharma Companies
Hospitals and clinics lead due to the growing adoption of CAR-T therapies and gene therapy protocols in oncology departments.
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https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/gene-therapy-market
Country-Wise Market Trends
United States
The U.S. dominates the global cancer gene therapy market, driven by robust R&D investment, early regulatory approvals, and presence of biotech giants. Approvals of Novartis’ Kymriah and Gilead’s Yescarta have set the stage for broader adoption of cell-based therapies. The FDA's progressive stance, with fast-track and orphan drug designations, continues to attract innovation.
Germany
Germany is Europe's leading hub for cancer gene therapy innovation, supported by public-private partnerships and a strong academic research network. The country’s health system is actively incorporating personalized therapies, supported by nationwide access to molecular diagnostics and precision oncology.
China
China is witnessing exponential growth, underpinned by significant government support, streamlined regulatory pathways, and a surge in local biotech firms entering the space. Over 30 clinical trials for gene therapy in cancer are currently underway in China, with emphasis on liver, lung, and esophageal cancers. The Chinese government’s “Made in China 2025” policy continues to prioritize biotechnology.
United Kingdom
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is increasingly integrating CAR-T therapies into standard cancer care. Initiatives like Genomics England and the Cancer Research UK network are accelerating clinical translation of gene-based therapies. UK-based biotech companies are at the forefront of developing CRISPR-based and oncolytic virus platforms.
Japan
Japan is leveraging its regulatory agility through the PMDA’s fast-track approval system for regenerative medicine. The country’s cancer gene therapy market is gaining momentum, particularly in areas of solid tumor immunotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy. Research institutions like RIKEN and Keio University are leading many of these efforts.
India
India is an emerging market in the cancer gene therapy landscape. While still in its early stages, rising cancer prevalence and growing investments in biotech R&D are expected to boost the market. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has proposed frameworks for advanced gene and cell therapy trials.
South Korea
South Korea is aggressively investing in cancer-focused biopharmaceutical research and infrastructure. Local companies like Green Cross and Kolon Life Science are actively developing viral vector platforms, and the government is promoting international collaboration to accelerate clinical trials.
Key Companies in the Cancer Gene Therapy Market
The competitive landscape of the cancer gene therapy market is shaped by both established pharmaceutical companies and innovative biotech startups. Major players include:
1. Novartis AG
A pioneer in CAR-T cell therapy, Novartis’ Kymriah was the first gene therapy approved for cancer. The company continues to invest in next-generation T-cell platforms and gene-editing tools.
2. Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Through its subsidiary Kite Pharma, Gilead has successfully commercialized Yescarta and is expanding its pipeline to address solid tumors and hematological malignancies using TCR-based therapies.
3. Bluebird Bio
Bluebird Bio is a frontrunner in developing lentiviral gene therapies. Although initially focused on rare diseases, the company is now redirecting efforts toward oncology treatments, particularly multiple myeloma.
4. Amgen Inc.
Amgen’s Imlygic, an oncolytic viral therapy for melanoma, marked a significant step in non-systemic gene therapies. The firm continues to explore virus-based gene therapies across cancer types.
5. CRISPR Therapeutics
A leader in the gene editing space, CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing therapies based on the CRISPR/Cas9 platform. The company collaborates with Vertex Pharmaceuticals on oncology-focused applications, including gene-edited T-cell therapies.
6. Adaptimmune Therapeutics
This UK-based company develops cell-based therapies using TCR-engineered T-cells to treat solid tumors. Their SPEAR T-cell platform has shown promise in clinical trials for synovial sarcoma and liver cancer.
7. Cellectis
Cellectis is focusing on “off-the-shelf” allogeneic CAR-T products, leveraging TALEN gene-editing technology. Their UCART platform is designed for greater scalability and affordability.
8. Ziopharm Oncology (now Alaunos Therapeutics)
Ziopharm is working on non-viral gene therapy platforms including Sleeping Beauty transposons for T-cell engineering. The company aims to improve safety and reduce manufacturing complexity.
Conclusion
The Cancer Gene Therapy Market is poised for exponential growth as advancements in genetic modification, the rise of cell-based therapy, and the precision offered by molecular diagnostics reshape the future of oncology. As global healthcare systems pivot towards personalized medicine, gene therapy offers unprecedented potential to not only treat but potentially cure various cancers.
However, the market’s success will depend on addressing barriers related to cost, vector delivery safety, and ethical considerations. Continued collaboration between regulators, academia, and biotech firms will be essential in bringing these therapies from labs to clinics.
As countries around the world invest in biotech and cancer R&D, the momentum behind cancer gene therapy is undeniable. The coming decade is expected to witness a shift from experimental to mainstream application, ultimately improving survival rates and quality of life for millions of cancer patients.
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