Radiation Pneumonitis Treatment Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Drug Class (Corticosteroids, Bronchodilators, Antitussives, and Others), By Route of Administration (Oral and Parenteral), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Stores & Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

Radiation pneumonitis refers to the inflammation of the lungs caused by radiation therapy to the chest. It often occurs 1 to 3 months after treatment but potentially up to 12 months later. It is a relatively common complication of the radiation treatment used for lung cancer, breast cancer, lymphomas, thymic tumors, or esophageal cancer. The main symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, low-grade fever, chest congestion, and chest pain.

The treatment depends on the severity of the disease, with mild cases often resolving spontaneously. The more severe cases are typically treated with corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation. Additional treatments include decongestants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cough suppressants, and bronchodilators. Although these drugs are not specifically approved for radiation pneumonitis, they are primarily used off-label for this condition.

The market growth is primarily attributed to the rising incidence of lung cancer globally. Lung cancer is most often treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which leads to severe inflammation of the lungs, resulting in radiation pneumonitis. In such a case, the growing incidence of lung cancers is expected to boost the demand for radiation pneumonitis, thereby driving market growth in the coming years.

• For instance, as per the data published by the American Cancer Society, Inc. in 2023, an estimated 238,340 people (117,550 men and 120,790 women) were diagnosed with lung cancer in the U.S.
• Furthermore, according to the article published by Verywell Health in November 2022, radiation pneumonitis affected between 15-40% of individuals who underwent radiation therapy for lung cancer.

Furthermore, this rising incidence of the disease is primarily attributed to the increase in the number of aged individuals globally. The aged individuals are at an increased risk of lung cancer, and also the aged patients of lung cancer are more susceptible to radiation pneumonitis. Such aged individuals are expected to boost the demand for the treatment of radiation pneumonitis, thereby propelling the market growth in the coming years.

• For instance, according to the article published by Verywell Health in November 2022, lung cancer patients over age 65 are more vulnerable to radiation pneumonitis.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the global radiation pneumonitis treatment market in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges in terms of the diagnosis and the management of radiation pneumonitis, but cancer care, including radiotherapy, was generally able to adapt and continue, which contributed to the occurrence of the cases of radiation pneumonitis. This fueled the market growth during the pandemic.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Incidence of Key Diseases, By Key Countries/Region, 2023
• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, Partnerships)
• Pipeline Analysis By Key Players
• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

Analysis by Drug Class

Based on the drug class, the market is divided into corticosteroids, bronchodilators, antitussives, and others. The corticosteroids segment is projected to account for a significant share of the global radiation pneumonitis treatment market during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the preferred use of corticosteroids, including prednisone and dexamethasone, for radiation pneumonitis treatment. These drugs are most often prescribed for the severe symptoms of radiation pneumonitis and help to reduce inflammation of the lungs, which is expected to fuel their adoption in the coming years.

• For instance, as of July 2024, RAYOS is a corticosteroid used for the treatment of several inflammatory conditions, including respiratory conditions. In consideration of such properties, the drug is being prescribed for radiation pneumonitis globally, which is expected to boost segment growth during the forecast period.

On the other hand, the bronchodilators segment is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The popularity of this drug is increasing globally as a common and recommended treatment for radiation pneumonitis, as it can provide symptomatic relief by dilating the airways and facilitating better breathing for affected patients. For instance, the article published by the Canadian Cancer Society in November 2023 stated that bronchodilators are used to help open airways as a treatment for radiation pneumonitis. This is anticipated to increase their adoption, driving the segmental growth during the forecast timeframe.

Regional Analysis

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The global market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America is expected to hold a significant share of the radiation pneumonitis treatment market during the forecast period. The market growth of the region is attributed to the high burden of cancer and its rising treatment by radiation therapy, which increases the risk and complications of radiation pneumonitis. Moreover, increasing research and development initiatives for the reduction of the complications of radiation pneumonitis with different drugs are also expected to propel the regional market growth in the coming years.

• For instance, on the label of September 2022, the FDA stated that IMFINZI, a (PD-L1) blocking antibody, increases the risk of radiation pneumonitis. This drug is recently approved in the U.S. as a treatment for adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.

Asia Pacific is projected to grow significantly during the forecast timeframe. The region's growth is mainly attributed to the large patient population pool, which represents a significant opportunity for the key players to improve their regional distribution network. This is expected to increase the penetration rate of drugs for radiation pneumonitis treatment in key countries across the region, propelling the market growth during the projection period.

Key Players Covered

The market includes significant players such as Horizon Therapeutics plc, Accord Healthcare, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Lupin, Cipla, and AdvaCare Pharma.

Key Industry Developments

• In October 2023, Amgen Inc. acquired Horizon Therapeutics plc, which is expected to provide the company access to a portfolio of Horizon Therapeutics plc’s inflammatory drugs for various conditions, including radiation pneumonitis.
• In February 2021, Strides Pharma Science Limited received the U.S. FDA approval for prednisone tablets USP in strengths of 10 mg and 20 mg. These tablets are being prescribed for allergies, arthritis, and respiratory illnesses and can also be used for other conditions, such as radiation pneumonitis.