A comprehensive research report by Novotech reveals key trends and data in the global clinical trial landscape for endometrial cancer (EC), highlighting increased activity and investment in the field. The report, titled "Endometrial cancer – Global Clinical Trial Landscape," focuses on prevalence, funding, emerging therapies, trial density, and patient recruitment.
Global Incidence and Mortality
Endometrial cancer ranks as the second most common and fourth leading cause of death among gynecological malignancies worldwide. In 2022, there were approximately 420,370 new cases and 97,720 deaths globally. Asia accounts for nearly 40% of global cases, with 167,430 reported cases in 2022. Mainland China reported the highest incidence within Asia, with 77,722 cases. The United States had the second-highest incidence globally, with 66,055 cases and the highest age-standardized rate (ASR) of 22.5 per 100,000 population.
Treatment Landscape and Unmet Needs
The standard of care for EC involves surgery, typically a hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Treatment for recurrent EC varies based on the extent of the disease and prior treatment success, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Projections indicate that new EC cases could surpass 600,000 annually by 2044, underscoring the urgent need for more effective therapies.
Clinical Trial Activity and Funding
Clinical trial activity for EC has increased globally from 2014 to 2023, with the Asia-Pacific region experiencing the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.9%. North America and Europe showed steady growth rates of 9.7% and 5.2%, respectively. The United States leads in venture capital funding for EC research, followed by China, with investments totaling $2129 million and $894 million, respectively, between 2019 and 2023.
Regional Trial Trends
The United States leads trial activity in North America, while Mainland China leads in the Asia-Pacific region, followed by Australia and South Korea. North America and Asia-Pacific are conducting a higher volume of early and mid-phase trials (Phase 1 and 2), while Europe and the Rest of World (ROW) concentrate on later-stage trials (Phase 3). Asia-Pacific demonstrates the shortest median enrollment period (15.1 months) and the highest median recruitment rate (1.1 subjects per site per month).
Emerging Therapies and Targets
Currently, there are approximately six drugs in preclinical stages, 15 in Phase I trials, and 12 in combined Phase I/II studies. In Phase III trials, Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Inhibitors dominate the mechanism of action (MOA), followed by Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1) Antagonists and Poly [ADP Ribose] Polymerase 1 (PARP1) Inhibitors. Marketed drugs for EC mainly target DNA synthesis inhibitors, progesterone receptor agonists, and tubulin inhibitors.
