Small Cell Lung Cancer and Malignant Mesothelioma Limited R&D activity provides opportunity for early-phase pipeline drugs

Introduction

SCLC accounts for one-fifth of all lung tumor types. More than 80,000 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2007 in the seven major markets, although it is set to decrease due to changing smoking habits. Mesothelioma is rarer, although incidence is expected to increase in the coming years in Europe and Japan given the heavy use of asbestos in the 1970s and long latency period of the disease.

Scope of this report

Overview of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and mesothelioma, including epidemiology, staging, prognosis and unmet needs

Review of current treatment modalities and physician opinion of existing and future treatment strategies

Evaluation of key drugs currently used in the treatment of SCLC and mesothelioma

Assessment of late-phase drugs in development for SCLC and mesothelioma including key opinion leaders' view on their potential

Research and analysis highlights

Despite decreasing incidence, unmet needs in SCLC remain high due to poor prognosis and lack of effective treatment. R&D interest in the disease is low; however, this represents an opportunity for developing companies in the SCLC market.

Alimta is approved for other lung cancer indications including NSCLC and mesothelioma. It is in a Phase III trial in SCLC and Datamonitor believes that, although unlikely to show significant efficacy advantage over current standard, Alimta may potentially demonstrate toxicity advantages, in which case, it may usurp etoposide as standard therapy.

Incidence of malignant mesothelioma may have peaked in the US but is set to increase over the next two decades in Europe and Japan due to the later uptake of asbestos in these markets. Nevertheless, overall incidence of mesothelioma remains low; as is the R&D interest in the disease.

Key reasons to read this report

Evaluate opportunities and risks in the SCLC and mesothelioma markets by analyzing the clinical and commercial attractiveness of key drugs

Assess key success factors that drive the SCLC and mesothelioma markets to estimate the potential of existing and pipeline drugs for the diseases

Understand current and future competitive dynamics of SCLC and mesothelioma to determine the future size and scope of the markets

Published: 13 March 2007

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