Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Report Outlook (2021–2031)

The Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy Market size is expected to reach US$ 2,163.7 million by 2031 from US$ 1,051.4 million in 2024. The market is estimated to record a CAGR of 10.9 % from 2025 to 2031.

Executive Summary and Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Analysis:

The Middle East cancer targeted therapy market is witnessing robust growth due to rising cancer incidence, increased healthcare spending, and the adoption of precision medicine. Key countries driving this growth include Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, where modern oncology infrastructure and advanced diagnostic facilities support widespread use of targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and antibody–drug conjugates.

Precision oncology is becoming the standard of care in these countries, enabled by the integration of genomic profiling, molecular biomarker testing, and next-generation sequencing. Targeted therapies offer improved efficacy and safety compared to conventional chemotherapy, encouraging adoption among oncologists and patients. Hospital pharmacies and specialized oncology centers dominate the distribution of intravenous biologics, while oral targeted therapies are increasingly dispensed through retail and specialty pharmacies.

Government initiatives and national cancer control programs provide reimbursement and support access to high-cost targeted therapies, making the Middle East a high-potential region for pharmaceutical companies expanding oncology portfolios. Multinational companies actively collaborate with local distributors and hospitals to facilitate the adoption of precision oncology solutions, while ongoing clinical trials further validate the use of targeted therapies in the region.

Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy Market - Strategic Insights:

Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Segmentation Analysis:

Key segments that contributed to the derivation of the Middle East 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.

Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Drivers and Opportunities:

Modern Developments in Genomic Profiling and Biomarkers

The growth of the Middle East cancer targeted therapy market is strongly driven by advancements in genomic profiling and biomarker discovery. Molecular diagnostics—such as next-generation sequencing, liquid biopsies, and companion diagnostics—allow oncologists to detect genetic alterations such as EGFR, HER2, ALK, and BRAF mutations, which directly inform therapy selection. This precision medicine approach ensures therapies are administered only to patients likely to benefit, reducing adverse effects and improving clinical outcomes.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait have invested heavily in modern oncology centers, integrating molecular diagnostics into routine care. Hospitals and specialized clinics now conduct biomarker-based testing to guide monoclonal antibody, tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Liquid biopsy adoption is increasing—enabling early detection, minimal residual disease monitoring, and identification of treatment resistance—thereby extending therapy duration and improving overall survival.

Pharmaceutical companies are collaborating with hospitals and diagnostic labs to expand access to biomarker testing, enhancing patient stratification for clinical trials and commercial therapies. The collection of regional genomic data supports the identification of novel targets and the development of therapies tailored to Middle Eastern populations. Combined with supportive reimbursement policies and government programs to promote precision medicine, these advancements are driving widespread adoption of targeted therapies, positioning the Middle East as a leading market for innovative oncology treatments.

Advances in Targeted Therapy for Rare Genetic Malignancies

Targeted therapies for rare cancers and tumors with specific genetic mutations present a substantial opportunity in the Middle East. Traditionally, rare cancers were underserved due to small patient populations and high development costs. However, genomic profiling has revealed actionable mutations shared across multiple tumor types, enabling tumor-agnostic therapy strategies. Therapies targeting NTRK fusions, RET rearrangements, BRAF, and FGFR mutations can treat diverse rare cancers with a single agent, significantly expanding market potential.

Next-generation sequencing and molecular testing programs in leading oncology centers allow early identification of rare mutations in patients, particularly in urban hospitals in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. Innovative trial designs—including basket and umbrella trials—reduce development timelines and facilitate early patient access. Orphan drug designations, accelerated approvals, and market exclusivity for rare cancer therapies incentivize global pharmaceutical companies to invest in these regions.

Strategic partnerships between multinational companies and regional distributors, hospitals, and patient support programs help expand access to these therapies. Increased awareness among physicians and training programs for clinical staff further drives adoption. As molecular testing becomes more integrated into standard care, a growing number of patients with rare, mutation-defined cancers become eligible for targeted therapy. This not only addresses unmet clinical needs but also strengthens pipelines, diversifies revenue streams, and positions the Middle East as a promising growth region in precision oncology.

Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Size and Share Analysis:

The Middle East 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 high specificity, clinical efficacy, and applicability across lung, breast, and colorectal cancers.

Based on indication, the lung cancer subsegment dominated the market in 2024, driven by the high prevalence, urban population risk factors (smoking, pollution), and availability of EGFR, ALK, and PD-L1-targeted therapies.

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.

Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Report Highlights:

Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Report Coverage and Deliverables:

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

• Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy market size and forecast at regional and country levels for key market segments covered under the scope
• Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy market trends, as well as market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and key opportunities
• Middle East 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 Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy market
• Detailed company profiles, including SWOT analysis

Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Geographic Insights:

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

The Middle East cancer targeted therapy market is shaped by differences in healthcare infrastructure, government policies, and private-sector investment. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the largest markets, supported by advanced hospital networks, oncology centers equipped with molecular diagnostics, and strong government funding for cancer care. National cancer control programs provide reimbursement for high-cost targeted therapies, increasing patient access. These countries also participate in regional and global clinical trials, enabling early adoption of new therapies.

Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman are emerging markets where adoption is growing due to government investment in healthcare infrastructure and oncology services. Specialized hospitals in urban centers have begun integrating molecular diagnostics and precision therapies into standard oncology care, though access in rural regions remains limited. Public-private partnerships and patient assistance programs help bridge affordability gaps and improve therapy access.

Across the Middle East, hospital pharmacies dominate distribution for intravenous biologics, while oral targeted therapies are increasingly dispensed through retail and specialty pharmacies. Multinational companies—including Roche, AstraZeneca, Merck, and Novartis—maintain a strong presence through regional subsidiaries, partnerships, and training initiatives for oncologists. Differences in adoption patterns require country-specific strategies, including premium positioning and early adoption in GCC countries, a focus on affordability in smaller economies, and investment in education and infrastructure to expand therapy penetration. Overall, the Middle East presents a high-potential, heterogeneous market driven by infrastructure, policy support, and growing awareness of precision medicine.

Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy Market Research Report Guidance:

• The report includes qualitative and quantitative data in the Middle East 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 Middle East 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 Middle East 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 Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy market scenario, in terms of historical market revenues, and forecast till the year 2031.
• Chapters 7 to 11 cover Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy market segments by therapy type, indication, distribution channel, and geography across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Turkiye. 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.

Middle East Cancer Targeted Therapy Market News and Key Development:

The Middle East 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 Middle East cancer targeted therapy market are:

• In September 2025, Merck announced the FDA approval of a subcutaneous formulation of its immune checkpoint inhibitor, pembrolizumab (Keytruda). This new formulation significantly reduces infusion time compared to traditional intravenous administration, improving patient convenience and adherence.
• In March 2025, AstraZeneca announced the acquisition of EsoBiotec for US$ 1 billion, a strategic move to strengthen its oncology portfolio with advanced cell and gene therapies, including CAR-T and engineered immune cell platforms. This acquisition expands AstraZeneca's capabilities in precision oncology and targeted therapy development, allowing the company to address cancers with high unmet medical needs.

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