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Global Cancer Cachexia Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

By Product Type;

Progestogens, Combination Therapies, and Corticosteroids

By Action Mechanism;

Appetite Stimulators, Weight Loss Stabilizers, and Others

By Dosage Form;

Tablets and Injections

By Route of Administration;

Oral, Parenteral

By Distribution Channels;

Hospital Stores, Retails Pharmacy Store, and Online Pharmacy

By Geography;

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)

Report ID: Rn199399070 Published Date: May, 2025 Updated Date: June, 2025

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Cancer Cachexia Market Overview

Cancer Cachexia Market (USD Million)

Cancer Cachexia Market was valued at USD 2,701.95 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 4,310.44 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.9%.

Global Cancer Cachexia Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast

*Market size in USD million

CAGR 6.9 %

Study Period	2025 - 2031
Base Year	2024
CAGR (%)	6.9 %
Market Size (2024)	USD 2,701.95 Million
Market Size (2031)	USD 4,310.44 Million
Market Concentration	Medium
Report Pages	301

2,701.95

2024

4,310.44

2031

Major Players

AEterna Zentaris Inc.
Alder BioPharmaceuticals Inc.
Aphios Corporation
Eli Lilly and Company
GTx, Inc.
Helsinn Group
Merck & Co., Inc.
Novartis AG
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
XBiotech, Inc.

Market Concentration

Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players

Global Cancer Cachexia Market

Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players

Cancer cachexia complex syndrome marked by involuntary weight loss and muscle wasting, affects 50% to 80% of patients with advanced cancers. The condition leads to a decline in patient strength and tolerance to treatments, making it a critical focus in oncology care. As cancer incidence rises globally, the market for cancer cachexia therapies is expanding due to the urgent need for effective interventions.

Increased Emphasis on Early Intervention
The clinical focus on cancer cachexia has shifted from late-stage management to early-stage interventions. Around 60% of oncology professionals now integrate cachexia management into treatment plans. The move toward combining pharmacological, nutritional, and physical therapies is supporting the market’s momentum.

Enhancing Patient-Centric Treatment Approaches
Cachexia contributes to functional decline and reduced quality of life, prompting a shift in therapy goals. An estimated 45% of cancer care pathways now include cachexia-focused treatments to enhance patient resilience and treatment adherence. Patient well-being is increasingly prioritized, encouraging adoption of comprehensive therapeutic options.

Advancements in Research and Clinical Trials
Innovations in research have led to a surge in clinical trials focused on cachexia. Currently, over 35% of ongoing oncology trials explore cachexia-specific endpoints. This reflects a broader understanding of the syndrome’s impact and the drive to discover targeted, evidence-based solutions.

Pharmaceutical Innovation and Pipeline Growth
The pipeline for cancer cachexia drugs is rapidly expanding with a focus on metabolic modulation and muscle preservation. Pharmaceutical developments have seen a 40% rise in new treatment candidates, including ghrelin analogs and anti-inflammatory agents. This innovation surge highlights the market’s commitment to improving care standards for affected patients.

Cancer Cachexia Market Recent Developments

In September 2024, Pfizer Inc. announced that its investigational drug Ponsegromab demonstrated positive outcomes in a Phase 2 clinical trial for cancer cachexia. Ponsegromab, a monoclonal antibody targeting GDF-15, showed improvements in body weight, muscle mass, quality of life, and physical function among patients with non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, or colorectal cancer.
In April 2021, Helsinn Group, in collaboration with Ono Pharmaceutical, launched Adlumiz Tablets in Japan for the treatment of cancer cachexia associated with malignant non-small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. Adlumiz is a ghrelin receptor agonist that helps improve appetite and body weight in affected patients.

Cancer Cachexia Market Segment Analysis

In this report, the Cancer Cachexia Market has been segmented by Product Type, Action Mechanism, Dosage Form, Route of Administration, Distribution Channels and Geography.

Cancer Cachexia Market, Segmentation by Product Type

The Cancer Cachexia Market has been segmented by Product Type into Progestogens, Combination Therapies, and Corticosteroids.

Progestogens

Progestogens, such as megestrol acetate and medroxyprogesterone acetate, are widely used in managing cancer cachexia due to their ability to stimulate appetite and promote weight gain. In 2023, the progestogens segment held the largest market share, accounting for approximately 45% of the global cancer cachexia market. Their cost-effectiveness and established efficacy contribute to their continued dominance in this therapeutic area.

Combination Therapies

Combination therapies integrate multiple treatment modalities, including pharmacological agents, nutritional support, and physical exercise, to address the multifaceted nature of cancer cachexia. This segment is experiencing rapid growth, The increasing adoption of multimodal approaches reflects a shift toward comprehensive management strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone and prednisone, are utilized for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to enhance appetite in cancer cachexia patients. While effective in the short term, their long-term use is limited due to potential side effects. In 2023, the corticosteroids segment accounted for approximately 20% of the global market, reflecting their role as adjunctive therapy in cachexia management.

Cancer Cachexia Market, Segmentation by Action Mechanism

The Cancer Cachexia Market has been segmented by Action Mechanism into Appetite Stimulators, Weight Loss Stabilizers and Others.

Appetite Stimulators

Appetite stimulators are pharmacological agents designed to enhance appetite and increase food intake in patients suffering from cancer cachexia. These agents aim to counteract the anorexia associated with cachexia, thereby promoting weight gain and improving nutritional status. In 2023, appetite stimulators accounted for approximately 45% of the global cancer cachexia market, reflecting their significant role in managing this condition.

Weight Loss Stabilizers

Weight loss stabilizers are therapies aimed at halting or slowing the involuntary weight loss characteristic of cancer cachexia. These treatments work by preserving lean body mass and improving metabolic balance, thereby enhancing patient quality of life. In 2023, weight loss stabilizers held a market share of about 40%, underscoring their importance in the comprehensive management of cachexia.

Others

The 'Others' category encompasses emerging therapies and interventions that do not fall under appetite stimulators or weight loss stabilizers. This includes anti-inflammatory agents, anabolic agents, and nutritional supplements that target various aspects of cancer cachexia. Although currently representing a smaller portion of the market, this segment is experiencing growth due to ongoing research and development efforts aimed at addressing the multifactorial nature of cachexia.

Cancer Cachexia Market, Segmentation by Dosage Form

The Cancer Cachexia Market has been segmented by Dosage Form into Tablets, Injections.

Tablets

Tablets are a prevalent dosage form in the treatment of cancer cachexia, offering ease of administration and patient compliance. They are commonly used for appetite stimulation and weight gain therapies. In 2023, tablets accounted for approximately 60% of the global cancer cachexia market, reflecting their widespread acceptance in clinical practice.

Injections

Injections provide a rapid and effective method for delivering therapeutic agents in cancer cachexia management, particularly in cases where oral administration is not feasible. They are often utilized for severe cases requiring immediate intervention. In 2023, injections represented about 40% of the market share, highlighting their critical role in comprehensive treatment strategies.

Cancer Cachexia Market, Segmentation by Route of Administration

The Cancer Cachexia Market has been segmented by Route of Administration into Oral, Parenteral.

Oral

Oral administration remains the most prevalent route for delivering cancer cachexia treatments, accounting for approximately 60% of the global market share in 2023. This preference is attributed to the ease of administration, patient compliance, and the availability of appetite stimulants in tablet form. Oral therapies are particularly favored in outpatient settings and for long-term management of cachexia symptoms.

Parenteral

Parenteral administration, encompassing intravenous and subcutaneous injections, is utilized for patients who are unable to tolerate oral medications or require rapid therapeutic effects. In 2023, parenteral routes constituted approximately 40% of the cancer cachexia market. This method ensures immediate bioavailability of drugs, making it essential for acute care and hospital settings.

Cancer Cachexia Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channels

The Cancer Cachexia Market has been segmented by Distribution Channels into Hospital Stores, Retails Pharmacy Store and Online Pharmacy.

Hospital Stores

Hospital stores are the primary distribution channel for cancer cachexia therapeutics, accounting for approximately 50% of the global market share in 2023. These facilities ensure immediate access to essential medications for inpatients undergoing cancer treatment. The centralized procurement and distribution systems in hospitals contribute to the dominance of this channel.

Retail Pharmacy Stores

Retail pharmacy stores serve as a crucial access point for outpatients and individuals managing cancer cachexia at home. In 2023, this segment held around 30% of the market share. The convenience and accessibility of retail pharmacies make them a preferred choice for patients seeking ongoing medication and nutritional supplements.

Online Pharmacy

Online pharmacies are emerging as a significant distribution channel, offering home delivery and teleconsultation services for cancer cachexia patients. This segment accounted for approximately 20% of the market share in 2023. The growth of e-commerce and digital health platforms has enhanced the reach and convenience of acquiring necessary treatments.

Cancer Cachexia Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Cancer Cachexia Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report

Legend

North America

Rest of North America

Europe

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East and Africa

Rest of Middle East and Africa

Latin America

Rest of Latin America

Rest of the World

Cancer Cachexia Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America

North America dominates the cancer cachexia market, accounting for approximately 39.6% of the global share in 2019. This dominance is attributed to the high prevalence of cancer-related cachexia, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and increased awareness regarding supportive cancer care. The presence of major pharmaceutical companies and ongoing clinical trials further bolster the market in this region.

Europe

Europe holds a significant position in the cancer cachexia market, with a market share of around 22.8% as per GLOBOCAN 2020 data. The region's substantial share is driven by a high incidence of cancer cases, robust healthcare systems, and increased focus on palliative care. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK are leading contributors to the market growth in this region.

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth in the cancer cachexia market, attributed to the rising number of cancer diagnoses and improving healthcare infrastructure. In 2020, the region accounted for approximately 49.3% of global cancer cases, indicating a significant patient pool. Emerging economies like China and India are key markets driving the regional expansion.

Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa region is experiencing steady growth in the cancer cachexia market, driven by increasing cancer prevalence and efforts to enhance healthcare services. While the market share is comparatively lower, ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure and awareness programs are expected to contribute to market development in the coming years.

Latin America

Latin America holds a modest share in the cancer cachexia market, with growth supported by rising cancer incidence rates and improving access to medical care. Countries such as Brazil and Mexico are leading the regional market, focusing on enhancing oncology services and integrating supportive care measures to manage cachexia effectively.

Cancer Cachexia Market Trends

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Cancer Cachexia Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix

This matrix outlines how core market forces—Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities—affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation, and Innovation.

Market Forces ↓ / Impact Areas →	Market Growth Rate	Competitive Landscape	Customer Behavior	Regulatory Influence	Innovation Potential
Drivers	High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand)	Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion	Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity	Often aligns with progressive policy trends	Fuels R&D initiatives and product development
Restraints	Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues)	Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation	Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness	Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks	Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance
Opportunities	Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies	Creates white space for innovation and M&A	Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences	Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages	Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers:

Increasing prevalence of cancer-related cachexia
Advances in supportive care and symptom management
Growing focus on improving quality of life for cancer patients - There is a growing emphasis on enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients, which is significantly driving the global cancer cachexia market. Cachexia, a severe wasting syndrome commonly associated with late-stage cancer, severely impacts patients’ strength, mobility, and treatment tolerance. Addressing this condition has become a major focus among oncologists, palliative care specialists, and pharmaceutical developers, leading to increased research and development efforts targeting supportive care solutions that go beyond tumor control.

Healthcare systems and regulatory agencies are recognizing the clinical importance of symptom management in cancer care, with cachexia management gaining attention as a vital aspect of holistic patient support. The integration of nutrition-based therapies, appetite stimulants, anti-inflammatory agents, and metabolic modulators into treatment regimens reflects a growing commitment to improving both patient comfort and clinical outcomes. As the demand for patient-centric therapies rises, the market is witnessing growing interest in novel multimodal interventions to mitigate the debilitating effects of cachexia.

Restraints:

Challenges in early diagnosis and treatment
Limited understanding of underlying mechanisms
Regulatory hurdles and high development costs - The global cancer cachexia market is significantly constrained by regulatory hurdles and high development costs, which together hinder innovation and slow down the introduction of effective therapies. Strict approval requirements mandate extensive clinical validation, often involving multifaceted and prolonged trials that are both costly and time-consuming. This complex regulatory landscape discourages smaller biotech firms and increases the financial risk for larger pharmaceutical companies.

The multifactorial nature of cancer cachexia makes it challenging to define standardized endpoints for treatment efficacy, further complicating the approval process. The elevated investment costs for research and development, combined with the uncertainty of regulatory clearance, contribute to limited commercial interest. These barriers collectively restrict the pace of advancements in this therapeutic area, despite the pressing need for effective solutions.

Opportunities:

Development of targeted therapies
Expansion into emerging markets
Research into novel treatment approaches - Ongoing research into novel treatment approaches offers a compelling opportunity in the global cancer cachexia market. Given the complex and multifactorial nature of the condition, current therapies often fall short in providing comprehensive relief. This unmet need is prompting increased investment in developing innovative therapeutics that target the underlying biological mechanisms such as inflammation, muscle degradation, and metabolic imbalance. Pharmaceutical companies and academic researchers are actively pursuing biologic agents, cytokine modulators, and gene-based therapies to expand the treatment landscape.

Furthermore, advancements in biomarker discovery and precision medicine are enhancing the ability to tailor therapies to individual patient profiles, increasing treatment efficacy. Regulatory agencies are also showing greater flexibility by supporting orphan drug designations and accelerated approval processes for promising candidates. As more targeted and personalized treatment options emerge from ongoing research, the market is expected to benefit from improved clinical outcomes and expanded therapeutic pipelines.

Cancer Cachexia Market Competitive Landscape Analysis

Key players in Cancer Cachexia Market include:

terna Zentaris Inc.
Alder BioPharmaceuticals Inc.
Aphios Corporation
Eli Lilly and Company
GTx, Inc.
Helsinn Group
Merck & Co., Inc.
Novartis AG
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
XBiotech, Inc.

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

Company Overview and Product Portfolio
Market Share Analysis
Key Developments
Financial Overview
Strategies
Company SWOT Analysis

Introduction
1. Research Objectives and Assumptions
2. Research Methodology
3. Abbreviations
Market Definition & Study Scope
Executive Summary
1. Market Snapshot, By Product Type
2. Market Snapshot, By Action Mechanism
3. Market Snapshot, By Dosage Form
4. Market Snapshot, By Route of Administration
5. Market Snapshot, By Distribution Channels
6. Market Snapshot, By Region
Cancer Cachexia Market Dynamics
1. Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
  1. Drivers
    1. Increasing prevalence of cancer-related cachexia
    2. Advances in supportive care and symptom management
    3. Growing focus on improving quality of life for cancer patients
  2. Restraints
    1. Challenges in early diagnosis and treatment
    2. Limited understanding of underlying mechanisms
    3. Regulatory hurdles and high development costs
  3. Opportunities
    1. Development of targeted therapies
    2. Expansion into emerging markets
    3. Research into novel treatment approaches
2. PEST Analysis
  1. Political Analysis
  2. Economic Analysis
  3. Social Analysis
  4. Technological Analysis
3. Porter's Analysis
  1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
  2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
  3. Threat of Substitutes
  4. Threat of New Entrants
  5. Competitive Rivalry
Market Segmentation
1. Cancer Cachexia Market, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
  1. Progestogens
  2. Combination Therapies
  3. Corticosteroids
2. Cancer Cachexia Market, By Action Mechanism, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
  1. Appetite Stimulators
  2. Weight Loss Stabilizers
  3. Others
3. Cancer Cachexia Market, By Dosage Form, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
  1. Tablets
  2. Injections
4. Cancer Cachexia Market, By Route of Administration, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
  1. Oral
  2. Parenteral
5. Cancer Cachexia Market, By Distribution Channels, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
  1. Hospital Stores
  2. Retails Pharmacy Store
  3. Online Pharmacy
6. Cancer Cachexia Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
  1. North America
    1. United States
    2. Canada
  2. Europe
    1. Germany
    2. United Kingdom
    3. France
    4. Italy
    5. Spain
    6. Nordic
    7. Benelux
    8. Rest of Europe
  3. Asia Pacific
    1. Japan
    2. China
    3. India
    4. Australia & New Zealand
    5. South Korea
    6. ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
    7. Rest of Asia Pacific
  4. Middle East & Africa
    1. GCC
    2. Israel
    3. South Africa
    4. Rest of Middle East & Africa
  5. Latin America
    1. Brazil
    2. Mexico
    3. Argentina
    4. Rest of Latin America
Competitive Landscape
1. Company Profiles
  1. terna Zentaris Inc.
  2. Alder BioPharmaceuticals Inc.
  3. Aphios Corporation
  4. Eli Lilly and Company
  5. GTx Inc.
  6. Helsinn Group
  7. Merck & Co. Inc.
  8. Novartis AG
  9. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
  10. XBiotech Inc.
Analyst Views
Future Outlook of the Market