The protein kinase inhibitor has the highest number of molecules under development, accounting for 42% of the oncology pipeline, with 194 monoclonal antibody molecules in development and 63 vaccine molecules in various stages of development. Protein kinase inhibitors are one of the major classes under development, due to the role of this protein in helping cancer cells evade normal physiological constraints on growth and survival.

Monoclonal antibodies such as Avastin (bevacizumab), Erbitux (cetuximab), Rituxan (rituximab) and Herceptin (trastuzumab) also represent a leading class of drugs in the oncology therapeutics market. These are safer and more effective than the conventional chemotherapy treatment options, and target the unmet needs of late-stage cancer patients, having proven successful in improving survival and quality of life. The number of monoclonal antibodies in the drug development pipeline for the treatment of cancer increased over the last decade, driven by their own success, but they are therefore priced at a premium.

GBI Research predicts that novel therapies will generate revenue of $2,979m by 2018 for the oncology therapeutics market, which will grow at a CAGR of 113% during 2012-2018.