Hematological Cancer Therapies: Pipelines, Markets, and Business Considerations

Hematological cancers arise from and are found in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic systems. The first hematological cancer to be identified was Hodgkin’s disease, or Hodgkin lymphoma, in 1832. Since that time, many different hematological cancers have been identified, including the various types of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, plus the myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative diseases. Altogether, hematological cancers represent a significant medical problem: The American Cancer Society estimated that there would be 140,310 new cases of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, combined, in the United States in 2011, and that 53,010 people would die of these diseases this year. 

In this Report on Hematological Cancer Therapies, we focus on the many different types of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative diseases. Current pharmacological therapies that are used to treat these various hematological cancers are discussed. In addition, there is significant activity on the part of pharmaceutical companies to further develop a number of the currently available therapies for additional indications. 

In recent years, newer and more specific therapies for hematological cancers have been developed, such as targeted small-molecule drugs and biological therapies including monoclonal antibodies. However, there remains significant need from a clinical perspective, as well as challenges and opportunities for pharmaceutical companies. This report discusses: