Global Glioblastoma Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In April 2021, Lineage Cell Therapeutics entered into a licensing agreement with Immunomic Therapeutics to develop a novel oncology candidate by leveraging the former’s cancer immunotherapy platform, allogeneic VAC, to treat glioblastoma multiforme. Under the agreement, an upfront payment of USD 2 million will be completed to Lineage, followed by USD 67 million as commercial milestones.

• On January 2023, Century Therapeutics announced its acquisition of Empirica Therapeutics, aiming to harness their expertise in developing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived allogeneic cell therapies specifically for the treatment of glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of brain cancer.

The Global Glioblastoma Market has been segmented by Type, Treatment, End User and Geography, type into primary and secondary glioblastomas. Primary glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive form, typically arising de novo without any prior lower-grade gliomas. Secondary glioblastomas, on the other hand, develop from a previous low-grade glioma, typically in older adults. The type of glioblastoma impacts treatment options and prognosis, with primary glioblastomas generally having a poorer prognosis. Research into different subtypes and genetic mutations in glioblastoma is key for developing personalized therapies and improving outcomes. Understanding these types is crucial for the ongoing development of targeted therapies, as well as for predicting patient response to treatment.

Treatment options for glioblastoma are varied and include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery remains the first-line treatment for resectable tumors, followed by radiation therapy to target remaining tumor cells. Chemotherapy, often with temozolomide, is commonly used in combination with radiation. Despite aggressive treatment, the prognosis for glioblastoma remains poor, and the disease is highly resistant to conventional therapies. As a result, there is growing emphasis on exploring new treatment avenues, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and gene therapy. The development of novel therapies and drugs aimed at overcoming the tumor's resistance mechanisms is a key area of research in glioblastoma treatment.

End users in the glioblastoma market include hospitals, oncology centers, and research institutions. Hospitals and oncology centers are the primary locations where patients receive surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. Research institutions play a critical role in advancing the understanding of glioblastoma and developing innovative treatments. Geographically, North America and Europe dominate the market due to the presence of well-established healthcare infrastructures, advanced research capabilities, and high healthcare expenditure. However, the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing significant growth, driven by improving healthcare systems, increasing cancer awareness, and rising investment in medical research. The global glioblastoma market is expected to continue expanding as new therapies are developed and clinical outcomes improve with more personalized treatment options.

Global Glioblastoma Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Glioblastoma Market has been segmented by Type, Treatment, End User and Geography.

Global Glioblastoma Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Glioblastoma Market has been segmented by Type into Primary Glioblastoma and Secondary Glioblastoma.

Primary glioblastoma arises de novo, without evidence of a pre-existing lower-grade precursor lesion, representing the majority of cases diagnosed. These tumors typically manifest in older adults, with a peak incidence in the sixth and seventh decades of life. Primary glioblastomas are characterized by rapid growth, high vascularity, and aggressive infiltration into surrounding brain tissue. Molecularly, they often exhibit alterations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway, loss of heterozygosity of chromosome 10q, and amplification of the oncogene MGMT. Despite aggressive treatment strategies, including surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, primary glioblastomas are associated with poor prognosis and limited survival rates.

Secondary glioblastoma arises from the progression of lower-grade gliomas, typically astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomas, into higher-grade tumors. These tumors evolve through a stepwise accumulation of genetic alterations and histological progression over time, often occurring in younger patients with a median age of diagnosis in the fourth and fifth decades of life. Secondary glioblastomas are characterized by a more indolent clinical course compared to primary glioblastomas, with longer survival from the time of initial diagnosis. Molecularly, they frequently harbor mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene, as well as alterations in the tumor suppressor genes TP53 and ATRX. The distinct molecular profile of secondary glioblastomas has implications for prognosis, treatment response, and therapeutic decision-making.

Global Glioblastoma Market, Segmentation by Treatment

The Global Glioblastoma Market has been segmented by Treatment into Surgical Procedure, Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy, and Others.

Surgical resection plays a pivotal role in the management of glioblastoma, aiming to achieve maximal safe tumor removal while preserving neurological function. Neurosurgeons employ advanced techniques, including image-guided navigation and intraoperative imaging, to precisely target tumor tissue and minimize damage to surrounding brain structures. While complete resection is often challenging due to the infiltrative nature of glioblastoma, surgical debulking can alleviate mass effect, relieve symptoms, and facilitate subsequent adjuvant therapies. Additionally, stereotactic biopsies may be performed for histopathological diagnosis and molecular profiling, guiding treatment decisions and prognostication.

Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of glioblastoma treatment, administered postoperatively to target residual tumor cells and reduce the risk of local recurrence. External beam radiation therapy delivers high-energy X-rays to the tumor site, typically over a course of several weeks, using conformal techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to spare healthy brain tissue. Stereotactic radiosurgery, including techniques such as gamma knife or CyberKnife, may be employed for precise delivery of high-dose radiation to small or inaccessible tumor regions. Radiation therapy aims to control tumor growth, prolong survival, and alleviate symptoms, often in conjunction with other treatment modalities.

Chemotherapy plays a critical role in the multimodal treatment approach for glioblastoma, targeting residual tumor cells and mitigating systemic disease spread. The alkylating agent temozolomide, administered orally or intravenously, is a standard chemotherapy regimen used concurrently with radiation therapy and as adjuvant therapy following surgery. Temozolomide functions by inducing DNA damage and impairing tumor cell proliferation, although resistance mechanisms can limit its effectiveness. Emerging chemotherapy agents, including targeted therapies such as bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) and experimental agents that exploit specific molecular vulnerabilities, hold promise for improving treatment outcomes and overcoming therapeutic resistance in glioblastoma.

Global Glioblastoma Market, Segmentation by End User

The Global Glioblastoma Market has been segmented by End User into Hospitals and Surgical Centers, Ambulatory Care Centers and Others.

The global glioblastoma market, segmented by end-user, includes hospitals and surgical centers, ambulatory care centers, and others. Hospitals and surgical centers are the primary end-users for glioblastoma treatments due to their ability to provide advanced medical care, including complex surgical interventions, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Hospitals are equipped with specialized facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma, offering surgical procedures such as tumor resection, which is often followed by radiation and chemotherapy. These centers also provide multidisciplinary care, which is crucial for managing the aggressive nature of glioblastoma, including neurosurgeons, oncologists, and support services.

Ambulatory care centers are increasingly becoming an important end-user in the glioblastoma market, as they offer less invasive and more cost-effective treatments. These centers typically focus on outpatient care, including post-surgical rehabilitation, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for patients who do not require overnight hospitalization. Ambulatory care centers also provide ongoing monitoring of glioblastoma patients, helping to manage side effects and maintain quality of life during treatment. With the growing trend of outpatient care for certain medical treatments, ambulatory care centers are becoming an integral part of the healthcare system for managing chronic conditions like glioblastoma.

The "others" category includes specialized cancer centers, research institutions, and home healthcare settings. Specialized cancer centers are dedicated facilities that focus on the treatment of various types of cancers, including glioblastoma, offering cutting-edge therapies and clinical trials. Research institutions contribute to advancing glioblastoma treatments, with many focusing on experimental therapies, targeted treatments, and immunotherapy options. Home healthcare is gaining traction, especially in later stages of the disease, where patients require palliative care and support at home. Geographically, North America and Europe are leading the glioblastoma market due to well-established healthcare systems, while emerging markets in Asia-Pacific are expected to experience growth due to expanding healthcare access and rising cancer awareness.

Global Glioblastoma Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Glioblastoma Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Glioblastoma Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America, particularly the United States and Canada, remains at the forefront of glioblastoma research and treatment innovation. With robust healthcare systems, advanced medical technology, and substantial research funding, North America leads in clinical trials and translational research aimed at advancing therapeutic options for glioblastoma patients. Furthermore, collaborations between academic institutions, government agencies, and biopharmaceutical companies drive progress in precision medicine, molecular diagnostics, and targeted therapies.

Europe is a key player in the global glioblastoma landscape, with notable contributions from countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. While healthcare systems vary across the region, Europe benefits from extensive research networks, regulatory frameworks, and healthcare reimbursement policies that support innovation in glioblastoma treatment. Collaborative initiatives, such as the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), facilitate multinational clinical trials and data sharing to accelerate therapeutic advancements. Over the forecast period, Europe is expected to see increased emphasis on molecular diagnostics, targeted therapies, and multidisciplinary care models to address the complex challenges of glioblastoma management.

The Asia Pacific region presents unique opportunities and challenges in the treatment of glioblastoma, with significant variation in healthcare infrastructure and access to advanced therapies. Countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, and Australia lead in glioblastoma research and clinical practice, leveraging technological innovations and research collaborations to improve patient outcomes. However, disparities in healthcare access, limited availability of cutting-edge therapies, and regulatory barriers pose challenges to optimal glioblastoma care in some parts of the region.

The Middle East and Africa face unique challenges in glioblastoma management, including limited healthcare resources, infrastructure gaps, and socioeconomic disparities. While countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have made strides in healthcare innovation and research, access to advanced treatment modalities remains limited in many parts of the region. Collaborative initiatives, including partnerships with international organizations and capacity-building programs, aim to improve healthcare infrastructure, enhance diagnostic capabilities, and expand access to glioblastoma treatments. Despite challenges, the region is expected to witness incremental progress in glioblastoma care over the forecast period, driven by increased awareness, advocacy efforts, and investments in healthcare.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Glioblastoma Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Increasing Incidence of Glioblastoma
• Growing Investments in Research and Development
• Rising Demand for Personalized Medicine

• Favorable Regulatory Environment - A favorable regulatory environment can significantly impact the development and commercialization of treatments for glioblastoma and other diseases. Regulatory bodies play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical products, while also facilitating timely access to innovative therapies for patients in need. Several factors contribute to a favorable regulatory environment, including streamlined approval processes, supportive policies, and incentives for research and development. Efficient regulatory pathways can expedite the approval of new treatments, allowing patients to access promising therapies more quickly. Accelerated approval programs, such as the FDA's Breakthrough Therapy designation, provide expedited review for therapies that demonstrate substantial improvements over existing treatments. These pathways enable companies to bring innovative therapies to market faster, addressing unmet medical needs and improving patient outcomes.

  Supportive regulatory policies can also encourage investment in research and development by providing clear guidelines, incentives, and market exclusivity protections for innovative therapies. Regulatory agencies may offer incentives such as orphan drug designation, which provides market exclusivity and tax credits to companies developing treatments for rare diseases like glioblastoma. Additionally, regulatory harmonization efforts and mutual recognition agreements can reduce duplication of efforts and streamline the approval process across different regions, facilitating global market access for new treatments. Furthermore, a favorable regulatory environment can foster collaboration between industry, academia, and regulatory agencies, facilitating knowledge sharing, data transparency, and innovation in drug development. Regulatory agencies may engage in initiatives such as regulatory science research, which aims to advance the scientific understanding of disease mechanisms and drug development processes. Collaborative efforts between stakeholders can help address regulatory challenges, accelerate drug development, and ultimately improve patient care.

  Favorable regulatory environment is essential for driving innovation, facilitating timely access to treatments, and improving patient outcomes in the glioblastoma market and beyond. By implementing efficient approval processes, supportive policies, and incentives for research and development, regulatory agencies can promote the development of safe, effective, and high-quality therapies for patients with glioblastoma and other challenging diseases.

Restraints

• Limited Efficacy of Current Therapies
• Complexity of Disease Biology
• Challenges in Early Detection

• Side Effects Associated with Treatment - Side effects associated with glioblastoma treatment can significantly impact patients' quality of life and treatment adherence. While various treatment modalities, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, are used to manage glioblastoma, each can cause its own set of adverse effects.Chemotherapy, commonly used as an adjuvant treatment for glioblastoma, often leads to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and hair loss. Additionally, chemotherapy agents may cause hematological toxicities, including low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), which increase the risk of infections. These side effects can be debilitating and may require dose reductions or treatment interruptions, affecting patients' overall well-being and treatment outcomes.

  Radiation therapy, another cornerstone of glioblastoma treatment, can cause side effects such as fatigue, skin reactions, and cognitive changes. Radiation-induced brain injury may manifest as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and other neurological deficits, impacting patients' cognitive function and quality of life in the long term. Furthermore, radiation therapy may increase the risk of developing radiation necrosis, a serious complication characterized by tissue damage and neurological deterioration.

  Surgical resection of glioblastoma tumors carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding brain tissue, which can lead to neurological deficits and functional impairment. Additionally, surgical procedures may result in postoperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leaks or wound infections, prolonging hospital stays and delaying recovery. Despite advances in surgical techniques, minimizing the risk of complications remains a challenge, particularly in cases involving deep-seated or eloquent brain tumors.

Opportunities

• Development of Novel Therapeutic Targets
• Collaborative Efforts in Precision Medicine
• Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure in Developing Regions

• Increasing Focus on Immunotherapy - The increasing focus on immunotherapy represents a paradigm shift in the treatment landscape of glioblastoma, offering new hope for patients facing this aggressive form of brain cancer. Immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells, providing a promising alternative or complement to conventional therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. One of the key advantages of immunotherapy is its potential for inducing durable responses and long-term remissions in patients with glioblastoma. Unlike traditional treatments, which primarily target tumor cells, immunotherapy activates the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, potentially leading to sustained antitumor activity and improved survival outcomes. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines are among the immunotherapeutic approaches being investigated for glioblastoma treatment.

  Immunotherapy offers the potential for personalized and precision medicine approaches tailored to individual patients' immune profiles and tumor characteristics. Biomarkers such as programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, tumor mutational burden, and immune cell infiltrates may help identify patients who are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy, guiding treatment selection and optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, combination approaches incorporating immunotherapy with other treatment modalities, such as targeted therapy or radiation therapy, are being explored to enhance treatment efficacy and overcome resistance mechanisms. However, challenges remain in the development and implementation of immunotherapy for glioblastoma. The blood-brain barrier and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment pose significant barriers to immune cell infiltration and activation within the brain, limiting the effectiveness of immunotherapy agents. Additionally, immune-related adverse events, such as autoimmune reactions and cytokine release syndrome, can occur with immunotherapy, requiring close monitoring and management to ensure patient safety.

  The increasing focus on immunotherapy holds great promise for transforming the treatment landscape of glioblastoma and improving patient outcomes. Continued research efforts aimed at understanding the complex interplay between the immune system and glioblastoma, identifying predictive biomarkers, and developing innovative immunotherapeutic strategies are essential for realizing the full potential of immunotherapy in this challenging disease setting. Collaborative initiatives involving academia, industry, and regulatory agencies are needed to accelerate the translation of promising immunotherapy approaches from bench to bedside and address the unmet needs of patients with glioblastoma.

Key players in Global Glioblastoma Market include :

• Merck
• Amgen
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
• Pfizer Inc
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
• Arbor Pharmaceuticals
• Amneal Pharmaceuticals

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis