Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of cancer in humans. It is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer that starts in the basal cell layer of the epidermis (the top layer of skin), grows slowly, and rarely spreads (metastasizes). The primary cause of basal cell carcinoma is overexposure to the sun and those with fair complexions are especially susceptible. Basal cell carcinoma is often easily detected and has a proven track record for successful treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent damage to the areas around cancer and decrease the risk associated with recurrence and metastasis. According to the American Cancer Society, Inc., about 5.4 million basal squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed every year in the US (occurring in about 3.3 million Americans, as some people have more than one). About 8 out of 10 of these are basal cell cancers.

Surging demand for targeted drugs contribute for the growth of basal cell carcinoma market

Targeted drugs called "hedgehog pathway inhibitors" assist patients suffering from basal cell nevus syndrome. For instance, the drug “Vismodegib (Erivedge)” has shown proven records by lowering the number of new basal cell cancers and shrink existing tumors in people suffering from the syndrome. As per the American Cancer Society, Inc., the two common targeted therapies for basal cell carcinoma involve "Hedgehog pathway inhibitors" and "EGFR inhibitors". Under EGFR inhibitors, “Vismodegib (Erivedge)” and “Sonidegib (Odomzo)” are used as targeted drugs that can be used to treat some advanced or recurrent basal cell skin cancers. Furthermore, under EGFR inhibitors, targeted drug involve "cetuximab (Erbitux)" has shown promising results for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.

Big calls for "Immunotherapy" in basal cell carcinoma

With the advancements in targeted therapies, immunotherapy has grabbed significant attention in the global basal cell carcinoma market. Activating or modulating the immune system to treat basal cell carcinoma has shown better and sustained outcomes. Three immune modulator drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These involve “imiquimod”, “Sonidegib”, “Vismodegib”, and several other are under investigation in clinical trials. The role of combination therapy is also emerging and will gain a significant pace in the forecast period. It is assumed that immunotherapy will soon transform the standards of care for basal cell carcinoma. Additionally, Cancer Research Institute has approved six other immune modulators are approved by the FDA as a treatment option for immunotherapy. These include “Aldesleukin Proleukin®”, “Atezolizumab Tecentriq®”, “Avelumab Bavencio®”, “Cemiplimab Libtayo®”, “Ipilimumab Yervoy®”, “Nivolumab Opdivo®”, “Peginterferon alfa-2b Sylatron®/PEG-Intron®”, “Pembrolizumab Keytruda®”, and “Poly ICLC Hiltonol®”.

Key takeaways

In February 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), approved intravenous immunotherapy medication, “cemiplimab-rwlc Libtayo®” for treatment of patients suffering from advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This is considered as an advanced immunotherapy medication over hedgehog pathway inhibitor (HHI) or for whom an HHI is not appropriate. Full approval was granted to patients with locally advanced BCC and accelerated approval was granted to patients with metastatic BCC.

Segmental Analysis

Basal cell carcinoma market is segmented on the basis of treatment type and end-user. Based on treatment type, the market is split into surgery, medication, and others. Surgery is further segmented as Mohs Surgery, Excisional Surgery, Cryosurgery, and Laser Surgery. Further, on the basis of end-user, the market is segmented as hospitals, specialty clinics, and among others.

Surgery to take a front lead in driving the basal cell carcinoma (BCC) market globally

Different surgeries involved for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma involve Mohs Surgery, Excisional Surgery, Cryosurgery, And Laser Surgery. Among the surgeries, Mohs surgery is the most effective and gold standard technique for removing BCCs that harms minimal healthy tissue with the highest possible cure rate up to 99% on tumors treated for the first time. The technique is often recommended by physicians for patients having BCCs located in areas around the nose, eyes, lips, scalp, fingers, toes, or genitals. Additionally, for small and early BCCs that have not spread, Excisional surgery is a frequent treatment recommended by physicians. Cure rates are above 95%. Also, cryosurgery plays a vital role for effective, superficial BCCs. The cure rate is between 85% and 90%. This technique is used less commonly for invasive BCC due to its associated recurrence harder to detect. Furthermore, laser surgery is not yet approved by the FDA for superficial BCCs but is sometimes used as a secondary therapy, especially when other techniques have unsuccessful results.

Regional Landscape

North America dominates the basal cell carcinoma market and will continue the same trend in the forthcoming years

North America has a dominating share for the overall basal cell carcinoma market followed by Europe. The factors responsible for the regional growth involves rising awareness of the advanced treatments, favorable reimbursement policies, and high prevalence of basal cell carcinoma in this region resulting in higher demand for treatment options. As per the estimates revealed by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, basal cell carcinoma affects more than 3 million Americans every year. Research indicates that the overall incidence of BCC increased by 145% between 1976-1984 and 2000-2010, and the overall incidence increased to 263% over the same period. The basal cell carcinoma can be prevented. The best way to lower it can be achieved by educating people about the skin cancer risk factors, prevention, and detection. Furthermore, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) sponsors annual free skin cancer screenings throughout the country. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is expected to witness a record remarkable growth rate in the coming years owing to high government involvement, funding assistance for the research activities, and availability of new treatment options. Such factors are responsible for the growth of the basal cell carcinoma treatment market in Asia Pacific region.

Competitive Landscape

The global basal cell carcinoma market is led by the prominent players that involve Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Mylan N.V., Merck & Co., Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Allergan, Perrigo Company plc, Strides Pharma Science Limited., and among others.

Market Segmentation

Market By Treatment Type

Surgery

• Mohs Surgery
• Excisional Surgery
• Cryosurgery
• Laser Surgery

Medication
Others

Market By End User

Hospitals
Specialty Clinics
Others

Market By Geography

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa