Chemotherapy vs Targeted Therapy in NHL: Market Segmentation and Growth Forecast

Valued at USD 9.05 billion in 2024, the global non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) therapeutics market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2025 to 2034. This growth is being driven by significant advancements across key therapeutic segments, including monoclonal antibodies, immunomodulatory agents, chemotherapy drugs, and cell and gene therapies. As the treatment paradigm shifts toward targeted and personalized therapies, market participants are increasingly focusing on product differentiation and value chain optimization to capture segment-wise performance and sustain competitive advantage.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), particularly CD20-targeted therapies like rituximab and obinutuzumab, continue to dominate the NHL therapeutics market. These agents are widely used in combination regimens for both indolent and aggressive subtypes of NHL, offering improved survival rates and manageable side effect profiles. The introduction of biosimilars in this segment has further expanded market access, especially in cost-sensitive regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America. However, the emergence of next-generation immunotherapies, including CAR-T cell therapy, is rapidly redefining treatment standards. Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) and Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) are leading this segment, offering durable remissions in relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma patients. Despite their high price tags, these therapies are gaining traction due to strong clinical outcomes and increasing payer acceptance in developed markets.

The chemotherapy segment remains a foundational treatment modality, particularly in low-resource settings where access to biologics is limited. While traditional chemotherapeutic agents such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) continue to be widely used, their role is gradually diminishing in favor of more targeted approaches. The immunomodulatory agents segment, led by lenalidomide and pomalidomide, is experiencing steady growth due to their use in combination therapies for follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. These agents offer oral administration and favorable toxicity profiles, making them attractive options for long-term disease management.

Market drivers include the rising prevalence of NHL, growing geriatric population, and increasing investment in oncology R&D. However, the high cost of novel therapies, limited patient access in low-income regions, and regulatory hurdles in drug approval are acting as key restraints. Opportunities are emerging in the development of oral oncolytics, next-generation CAR-T therapies with reduced manufacturing complexity, and AI-driven biomarker discovery for early diagnosis. Trends such as companion diagnostics, real-world evidence integration, and digital health monitoring are also gaining momentum, particularly in North America and Europe.

Segment-wise performance is increasingly being influenced by pricing strategies, reimbursement policies, and clinical trial outcomes. Companies are focusing on value-based pricing models and outcome-based contracts to justify premium pricing for high-cost therapies. Additionally, the integration of digital health platforms to support patient adherence and treatment monitoring is enhancing the overall value proposition of NHL therapeutics.

The competitive landscape is highly concentrated, with a few multinational players dominating the market through a combination of innovation, regulatory expertise, and global distribution networks.