GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Report Outlook (2021–2031)

The GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy Market size is expected to reach US$ 1,274.8 million by 2031 from US$ 572.2 million in 2024. The market is estimated to record a CAGR of 12.1 % from 2025 to 2031.

Executive Summary and GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Analysis:

The GCC cancer targeted therapy market is witnessing steady and strategic growth, supported by rising cancer incidence, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and increasing adoption of precision medicine across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. Governments across the region are prioritizing oncology as part of broader healthcare transformation agendas, investing heavily in advanced hospitals, specialized cancer centers, and digital health technologies. Targeted therapies are increasingly integrated into treatment pathways for breast, lung, colorectal, and hematological cancers, driven by improved clinical outcomes and reduced toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapy. Monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors represent the most widely adopted therapy classes, while immune checkpoint inhibitors are rapidly gaining traction in tertiary oncology centers.

The growing availability of molecular diagnostics and biomarker testing is strengthening physicians' confidence in targeted treatment selection. Hospitals and specialized cancer centers dominate therapy administration due to the complexity and monitoring requirements of targeted oncology drugs. Retail and specialty pharmacies are playing a growing role in dispensing oral targeted therapies, particularly in outpatient oncology settings. Competitive dynamics are shaped by multinational pharmaceutical companies working closely with government entities, local distributors, and private hospital networks to expand access and ensure regulatory compliance. The GCC market is transitioning from dependence on conventional oncology treatments toward precision-driven, personalized cancer care. The market size is smaller than North America or Europe; however, high per-capita healthcare spending and strong government backing position the GCC as a high-value growth region for cancer-targeted therapies.

GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy Market - Strategic Insights:

GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Segmentation Analysis:

Key segments that contributed to the derivation of the GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy market analysis are therapy type, indication, and distribution channel.

• By therapy type, the cancer targeted therapy market is segmented into monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, gene therapy, and others. The monoclonal antibodies segment dominated the market in 2024.
• Based on indication, the cancer targeted therapy market is segmented into blood cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectum cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, cervical cancer, liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer, thyroid cancer, and other indications. The lung cancer segment dominated the market in 2024.
• In terms of distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online stores. The hospital pharmacies segment dominated the market in 2024.

GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Drivers and Opportunities:

New Frontiers in Genomic Profiling and Biomarker Science

Advancements in genomic profiling and biomarker discovery are a primary market driver. The region is increasingly embracing precision oncology through the adoption of next-generation sequencing, molecular diagnostics, and biomarker-driven treatment protocols. These technologies enable clinicians to identify actionable genetic mutations such as EGFR, HER2, BRCA, ALK, and BRAF, allowing for more accurate therapy selection and improved patient outcomes. Healthcare systems across the region are investing in genomic medicine infrastructure, including centralized molecular diagnostic laboratories and partnerships with international genomic testing providers. Such investments and collaborations have improved access to biomarker testing, particularly in major oncology hubs in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. As a result, targeted therapies are being prescribed earlier in the treatment pathway, replacing or complementing traditional chemotherapy regimens.

Biomarker-driven treatment strategies are also improving clinical efficiency by reducing trial-and-error prescribing and minimizing adverse events. Physicians increasingly rely on companion diagnostics to guide therapy decisions, particularly in lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. Liquid biopsy technologies are gaining adoption for treatment monitoring and resistance detection, extending the duration and effectiveness of targeted therapies. Additionally, regional cancer registries and digital health platforms are enhancing real-world data collection, supporting better treatment optimization. As reimbursement coverage for molecular diagnostics expands and awareness of precision oncology grows, genomic profiling and biomarker discovery will continue to be a critical driver of targeted therapy adoption across the region.

Targeted Oncology for Rare Genetically Defined Tumors

Expanding targeted therapies into rare cancers and genetically defined tumor subtypes represents a significant market opportunity. Historically, rare cancers in the region faced limited treatment options due to small patient populations and a lack of specialized expertise. However, advances in genomic profiling have revealed that many rare and aggressive tumors share actionable genetic mutations with more common cancers, enabling broader use of existing targeted therapies. Tumor-agnostic treatment approaches are particularly promising in the GCC, where healthcare systems emphasize rapid adoption of innovative therapies. Targeted drugs addressing biomarkers such as NTRK fusions, RET alterations, FGFR mutations, and MSI-H status allow treatment decisions to be guided by molecular characteristics rather than tumor origin. This approach expands the eligible patient pool without requiring large, indication-specific clinical trials.

Supportive regulatory environments and fast-track approval pathways in several GCC countries further enhance the commercial viability of therapies for rare cancers. Governments are increasingly open to early-access and compassionate-use programs, improving the availability of novel targeted treatments. From a clinical perspective, targeted therapies often demonstrate superior efficacy and tolerability in rare, mutation-driven cancers, making them attractive alternatives to chemotherapy. In addition, regional participation in global basket and umbrella trials is increasing, facilitating the integration of patients into precision oncology research. As genomic testing becomes more widespread, identification rates for rare mutations will rise, unlocking new demand. Collectively, expansion into rare and mutation-specific cancers offers long-term growth potential for targeted therapy manufacturers in the region.

GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Size and Share Analysis:

The GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy market demonstrates steady growth, with size and share analysis highlighting evolving trends and competitive dynamics among key players. The report examines subsegments categorized within therapy type, indication, and distribution channel, offering insights into their contribution to overall market performance.

By therapy type, the monoclonal antibodies subsegment dominated the market in 2024, driven by their high clinical efficacy, precision targeting, and favorable safety profile.

Based on indication, the lung cancer subsegment dominated the market in 2024, driven by its high prevalence and mortality rates, particularly linked to smoking and environmental risk factors.

By distribution channel, the hospital pharmacies subsegment dominated the market in 2024, driven by the centralized administration of complex oncology therapies, greater access to specialized oncology care, and hospitals serving as primary sites for cancer diagnosis, treatment initiation, and monitoring.

GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Report Highlights:

GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Report Coverage and Deliverables:

The "GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Size and Forecast (2021–2031)" report provides a detailed analysis of the market covering below areas:

• GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy market size and forecast at regional and country levels for key market segments covered under the scope
• GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy market trends, as well as market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and key opportunities
• GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy market analysis covering key trends, regional framework, major players, regulations, and recent market developments
• Industry landscape and competition analysis covering market concentration, heat map analysis, prominent players, and recent developments for the GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy market
• Detailed company profiles, including SWOT analysis

GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Geographic Insights:

The geographical scope of the GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy market report is divided into: The UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. Saudi Arabia held the largest share in 2024.

Country-level dynamics within the GCC cancer targeted therapy market vary based on healthcare infrastructure, government investment, and private sector participation. Saudi Arabia holds the largest market share, driven by its extensive public healthcare system, expanding network of oncology centers, and national healthcare transformation initiatives. The country is rapidly integrating precision oncology into standard care, supported by strong regulatory oversight and centralized procurement systems. The UAE represents a high-growth market, characterized by advanced private healthcare facilities, medical tourism, and early adoption of innovative cancer therapies. Leading hospitals in the UAE emphasize personalized medicine, biomarker testing, and access to international clinical trials, accelerating the uptake of targeted therapies.

Qatar benefits from a highly centralized healthcare model and strong government funding, enabling rapid integration of advanced oncology treatments. Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman are smaller markets but are witnessing gradual growth, supported by investments in tertiary hospitals, oncology training programs, and improved access to specialty medicines. Across the GCC, hospitals and specialized cancer centers remain the dominant end users of targeted therapies due to centralized treatment delivery and the need for close patient monitoring. While market maturity varies, all GCC countries share a common trend toward modernization, precision medicine adoption, and increased collaboration with global pharmaceutical companies. These dynamics highlight the importance of country-specific market access strategies, pricing alignment, and physician education to ensure sustained market growth.

GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Research Report Guidance:

• The report includes qualitative and quantitative data in the GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy market across therapy type, indication, distribution channel, and geography.
• The report starts with the key takeaways (chapter 2), highlighting key trends and outlook of the GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy market.
• Chapter 3 includes the research methodology of the study.
• Chapter 4 includes ecosystem analysis.
• Chapter 5 highlights the major industry dynamics in the GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy market, including factors that are driving the market, prevailing deterrents, potential opportunities, as well as future trends. Impact analysis of these drivers and restraints is also covered in this section.
• Chapter 6 discusses the GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy market scenario, in terms of historical market revenues, and forecast till the year 2031.
• Chapters 7 to 11 cover GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy market segments by therapy type, indication, distribution channel, and geography across the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. They cover the market revenue, forecast, and factors driving the market.
• Chapter 12 describes the competitive analysis along with the heat map analysis for the key players operating in the market.
• Chapter 13 describes the industry landscape analysis. It provides detailed descriptions of business activities such as market initiatives, new developments, mergers, and joint ventures globally, along with a competitive landscape.
• Chapter 14 provides detailed profiles of the major companies operating in the Cancer Targeted Therapy market. Companies have been profiled on the basis of their key facts, business descriptions, products, financial overview, SWOT analysis, and key developments.
• Chapter 15, i.e., the appendix, is inclusive of a brief overview of the company, a list of abbreviations, and a disclaimer.

GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy Market News and Key Development:

The GCC Cancer Targeted Therapy market is evaluated by gathering qualitative and quantitative data post primary and secondary research, which includes important corporate publications, association data, and databases. A few of the key developments in the GCC cancer targeted therapy market are:

• In January 2026, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority granted conditional approval to Anktiva, a novel immunotherapy for advanced lung and bladder cancers. This approval makes Saudi Arabia the first country globally to approve Anktiva for non‑small cell lung cancer beyond standard settings, offering significant expansion of targeted immunotherapy options regionally.
• In June 2025, Saudi‑based Tabuk Pharmaceuticals entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Polaris Pharmaceuticals to introduce ADI‑PEG20 (ADZODI)—an advanced arginine degradation therapy—to Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC. This collaboration targets malignancies with unmet needs and highlights local capacity building through strategic licensing to improve treatment diversity within the region.

Key Sources Referred:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• World Heart Federation (WHF)
• Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
• The World Bank Group
• Worldometer
• The Lancet
• International Bar Association
• International Trade Administration