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Neoplasms, Breast

Oncology
55
Pipeline Programs
5
Companies
50
Clinical Trials
2
Approved Products

Pipeline by Development Stage

Preclinical
Phase 1
Phase 1/2
Phase 2
Phase 2/3
Phase 3
On Market
0
17
1
24
0
11
2
Early DiscoveryClinical DevelopmentMarket

Drug Modality Breakdown

Small Molecule
5595%
Monoclonal Antibody
35%
+ 41 programs with unclassified modality

Oncology is a $53.9B market in consolidation, dominated by a handful of megacap players with blockbuster franchises approaching patent expiration.

$53.9B marketConsolidating→ Stable30 products15 companies

Key Trends

  • Heavy patent cliff exposure (REVLIMID $3.9B LOE 2028, JAKAFI $1.9B LOE 2028)
  • Kinase inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents dominate spend; limited diversification in top 10
  • Clinical trial volume remains exceptionally high (29,145 trials) but concentration in Phase 1-2 signals early-stage pipeline challenges

Career Verdict

Strong near-term opportunity for R&D and medical affairs roles, but competitive landscape and patent cliff urgency favor specialists over generalists.

AI-generated market analysis based on FDA, CMS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and hiring data

Market Leaders

#1ELIQUISStable
$18.3B
Bristol Myers Squibb·Launch15.0yr
#2FARXIGAStable
$4.3B
AstraZeneca·Peak15.4yr
#3REVLIMIDDeclining
$3.9B
Bristol Myers Squibb·LOE Approaching1.8yr
#4XTANDIStable
$2.6B
Astellas·Peak10.7yr
#5IMBRUVICAStable
$2.4B
AbbVie·Peak8.9yr

Drug Class Breakdown

FXa Inhibitors
$18.3B(34%)

concentrated in single product

SGLT2 Inhibitors
$4.3B(8%)

single dominant product

Kinase Inhibitors
$4.0B(7%)

multi-product class, competitive

Immunomodulatory Agents (Cereblon)
$3.9B(7%)

facing near-term patent cliff

Androgen Receptor Antagonists
$2.6B(5%)

prostate cancer specialty

Protein Kinase Inhibitors
$2.4B(4%)

niche hematologic oncology

JAK Inhibitors
$1.9B(4%)

near-term LOE exposure

Career Outlook

Stable

Oncology remains a premium therapeutic area but faces structural headwinds: top 10 products account for >80% of spend, patent cliffs loom (REVLIMID 2028), and late-stage pipeline thinness suggests slower near-term growth. However, high trial volume and consolidation create demand for specialized expertise in regulatory, clinical operations, and lifecycle management. Pharma professionals with kinase inhibitor, immunomodulatory, or ADC experience are in highest demand.

Breaking In

Entry-level candidates should target CROs (Thermo Fisher, IQVIA), emerging biotech (BeiGene, BeOne), or contract manufacturing; oncology specialization requires demonstrated domain knowledge.

For Experienced Professionals

Experienced professionals should focus on lifecycle/patent strategy roles (high salary, low headcount) or pivot to emerging modalities (ADCs, bispecifics) to avoid commoditization in crowded kinase inhibitor space.

In-Demand Skills

Regulatory strategy & PDUFA navigationKinase inhibitor development (small molecule)Clinical trial operations & site managementLifecycle management & patent strategyMedical affairs (oncology-specific science)Manufacturing scale-up (small molecule & biotech)

Best For

Regulatory Affairs ManagerClinical Operations ManagerMedical Science Liaison (MSL) — OncologyLifecycle ManagerR&D Scientist (medicinal chemistry, ADME)Manufacturing Engineer

Hiring Landscape

$102K–$266K

Oncology hiring is actively concentrated at Thermo Fisher Scientific (CRO/CDMO services, 559 jobs), AstraZeneca (208 jobs), and emerging biotech players like BeiGene (185 jobs). Commercial roles dominate (412 jobs, $136K avg) but R&D positions offer the highest salary premium ($199K avg, 347 roles). Patent cliff urgency is creating acute demand for regulatory, CMC, and lifecycle management expertise.

1,946
Open Roles
5
Companies Hiring
5
Departments

Top Hiring Companies

208Stable
185Growing
167Growing
147Growing

By Department

Commercial(21%)
$136K
Research & Development(18%)
$199K
Clinical Operations(5%)
$181K
Medical Affairs(4%)
$266K
Manufacturing(5%)
$102K

Strong near-term hiring momentum, especially in CRO/CDMO and emerging biotech; Medical Affairs offers highest compensation but limited headcount.

On Market (2)

Approved therapies currently available

Novartis
TYKERBApproved
lapatinib
Novartis
oral2007
2M Part D
Novartis
LAPATINIB DITOSYLATEApproved
lapatinib
Novartis
oral2020

Competitive Landscape

5 companies ranked by most advanced pipeline stage

Novartis
NovartisBASEL, Switzerland
6 programs
1
LapatinibPHASE_2Small Molecule
Lapatinib/nab-PaclitaxelPHASE_2
lapatinibPHASE_2Small Molecule
LapatinibPHASE_3Small Molecule
lapatinibPHASE_3Small Molecule
+1 more programs
ViiV Healthcare
ViiV HealthcareNC - Durham
41 programs
14
20
5
LapatinibPhase 3Small Molecule
LapatinibPhase 3Small Molecule
NiraparibPhase 3
PaclitaxelPhase 3
lapatinibPhase 3Small Molecule
+36 more programs
Sandoz
SandozAustria - Kundl
14 programs
3
4
6
LapatinibPhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
LapatinibPhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
LapatinibPhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
LapatinibPhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
lapatinibPhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
+9 more programs
Active Trials
NCT00338247Approved For MarketingEst. Mar 2015
NCT00790816Completed500Est. Aug 2016
NCT00367471Completed31Est. Sep 2019
+11 more trials
Escugen
EscugenChina - Shanghai
1 program
1
ESG401Phase 1/21 trial
Active Trials
NCT04892342Completed156Est. Jun 2025
GSK
GSKLONDON, United Kingdom
37 programs
Evaluation of Specific Biomarkers in Primary Invasive Breast CancerN/A1 trial
Lapatinib plus capecitabineN/A1 trial
DoxorubicinPHASE_11 trial
GSK Biologicals' 719125PHASE_11 trial
GW572016 oral tabletsPHASE_11 trial
+32 more programs
Active Trials
NCT01476111Terminated117Est. Jul 2014
NCT01782651Completed1Est. Jul 2015
NCT00722293Completed111Est. Feb 2014
+34 more trials

Trial Timeline

Clinical trial activity over time

2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
SandozLapatinib
SandozLapatinib
Sandozlapatinib
SandozLapatinib
SandozLapatinib
Sandozlapatinib
GSKLapatinib
GSKPaclitaxel
SandozLapatinib
GSKLapatinib
GSKLapatinib
GSKLapatinib in combination with weekly paclitaxel
GSKdoxorubicin + cyclophosphamide
SandozLapatinib/nab-Paclitaxel
GSKLapatinib, Vinorelbine

Showing 15 of 50 trials with date data

Clinical Trials (50)

Total enrollment: 13,922 patients across 50 trials

A Study to Compare the Safety and Efficacy of an Aromatase Inhibitor in Combination With Lapatinib, Trastuzumab or Both for the Treatment of Hormone Receptor Positive, HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer

Start: May 2011Est. completion: Jun 2022369 patients
Phase 3Completed

Neo ALTTO (Neoadjuvant Lapatinib and/or Trastuzumab Treatment Optimisation) Study

Start: Jan 2008Est. completion: Dec 2019455 patients
Phase 3Completed

Lapatinib +Capecitabine Treatment for Advanced Metastatic Breast Cancer in Women From China

Start: Jul 2007Est. completion: Jul 202052 patients
Phase 3Terminated

ALTTO (Adjuvant Lapatinib And/Or Trastuzumab Treatment Optimisation) Study; BIG 2-06/N063D

Start: May 2007Est. completion: Jul 20218,381 patients
Phase 3Completed

Study In Women And Men With Metastatic Breast Cancer That Have Overexpression Of ErbB2

Start: Jan 2006Est. completion: Nov 2021444 patients
Phase 3Completed

ErbB2 Over-expressing Metastatic Breast Cancer Study Using Paclitaxel, Trastuzumab, and Lapatinib

Start: Dec 2005Est. completion: Oct 201963 patients
Phase 3Terminated

Lapatinib In Combination With Trastuzumab Versus Lapatinib Monotherapy In Subjects With HER2-positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

Start: Nov 2005Est. completion: Oct 2010296 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00075270GSKPaclitaxel

Paclitaxel With / Without GW572016 (Lapatinib) As First Line Therapy For Women With Advanced Or Metastatic Breast Cancer

Start: Jan 2004Est. completion: Mar 2012580 patients
Phase 3Completed

Evaluation of Biomarkers Associated With Response to Subsequent Therapies in Subjects With HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

Start: Oct 2014Est. completion: Jun 202042 patients
Phase 2Terminated

A Phase II, Randomized, Open-label Study of Lapatinib Plus Chemotherapy Versus Trastuzumab Plus Chemotherapy in HER2-positive and p95HER2-positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

Start: Oct 2011Est. completion: Mar 20180
Phase 2Withdrawn

Lapatinib or Trastuzumab Given Prior to Surgery With Chemotherapy in Patients With Early Breast Cancer

Start: Dec 2010Est. completion: Dec 20100
Phase 2Withdrawn
NCT01138046GSKLapatinib in combination with weekly paclitaxel

Phase I/II Study of Lapatinib in Combination With Paclitaxel as 1L Chemotherapy for ErbB2-positive MBC

Start: Apr 2010Est. completion: Jan 201412 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT00849472GSKdoxorubicin + cyclophosphamide

Treatment With Pazopanib for Neoadjuvant Breast Cancer

Start: Jul 2009Est. completion: Apr 2013101 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT00709761SandozLapatinib/nab-Paclitaxel

Phase II Lapatinib Plus Nab-Paclitaxel As First And Second Line Therapy In her2+ MBC

Start: Jul 2008Est. completion: Jan 201860 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT00709618GSKLapatinib, Vinorelbine

Lapatinib + Vinorelbine in ErbB2 Overexpressing, First or Second Line Metastatic Breast Cancer Subjects

Start: Jun 2008Est. completion: May 201244 patients
Phase 2Terminated

Study of Lapatinib in Breast Cancer Patients With HER-2 Non-amplified Primary Tumors and HER-2 Positive or EGFR Positive Circulating Tumor Cells

Start: Jun 2008Est. completion: Jul 201123 patients
Phase 2Terminated

Pazopanib Plus Lapatinib Compared To Lapatinib Alone In Subjects With Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Start: Dec 2007Est. completion: Dec 2011163 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT00524303GSKTrastuzumab

Lapatinib +/- Trastuzumab In Addition To Standard Neoadjuvant Breast Cancer Therapy.

Start: Aug 2007Est. completion: Aug 2015100 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT00437073GSKcapecitabine

Brain Metastases In ErbB2-Positive Breast Cancer

Start: May 2007Est. completion: Feb 201022 patients
Phase 2Terminated

Lapatinib and Bevacizumab for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Start: Feb 2007Est. completion: Jun 202052 patients
Phase 2Completed

Neoadjuvant Study With Chemotherapy, Lapatinib And Trastuzumab In Breast Cancer

Start: Aug 2006Est. completion: Jun 2012121 patients
Phase 2Completed

Pazopanib Plus Lapatinib Compared To Lapatinib Alone In Subjects With Advanced Or Metastatic Breast Cancer

Start: Jul 2006Est. completion: Mar 2015189 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT00356811GSKLapatinib oral tablets

Lapatinib Combined With Paclitaxel For Patients With First-Line ErbB2-Amplified Metastatic Breast Cancer

Start: May 2006Est. completion: Dec 201357 patients
Phase 2Completed

Lapatinib for Brain Metastases In ErbB2-Positive Breast Cancer

Start: Dec 2005Est. completion: Mar 2018242 patients
Phase 2Completed

GW572016 In Patients With ErbB2 Over - Expressing Advanced Or Metastatic Breast Cancer

Start: Nov 2005Est. completion: Apr 200962 patients
Phase 2Completed

Study Of Lapatinib In Combination With Paclitaxel In The Treatment Of Newly Diagnosed Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Start: Apr 2005Est. completion: Nov 200649 patients
Phase 2Completed

Study Of Lapatinib In Patients With Relapsed Or Refractory Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Start: Mar 2005Est. completion: May 2010126 patients
Phase 2Completed

Study Of Ispinesib In Subjects With Breast Cancer

Start: Jun 2004Est. completion: Aug 200650 patients
Phase 2Completed

Lapatinib In Chemotherapy-Naive Or Metastatic Breast Cancer

Start: Jun 2004Est. completion: Mar 2008138 patients
Phase 2Completed

GW572016 For Treatment Of Refractory Metastatic Breast Cancer

Start: Nov 2003Est. completion: Feb 2005200 patients
Phase 2Completed

Study of ESG401 in Adults With Solid Tumors

Start: Sep 2021Est. completion: Jun 2025156 patients
Phase 1/2Completed

Ketoconazole, Hydrocortisone, Dutasteride and Lapatinib (KHAD-L) in Prostate Cancer

Start: Sep 2009Est. completion: Apr 201311 patients
Phase 1/2Terminated

A Study in Cancer Patients to Evaluate the Bioequivalence of Alternative Formulations of Lapatinib

Start: Nov 2009Est. completion: Sep 2012158 patients
Phase 1Completed

A Study to Examine the Effects of Esomeprazole on the Pharmacokinetics of Orally Administered Lapatinib in Subjects With Metastatic ErbB2 Positive Breast Cancer

Start: Mar 2009Est. completion: Nov 200912 patients
Phase 1Completed

A Study to Examine the Effects of Low and High-fat Meals on Orally Administered Lapatinib in Metastatic ErbB2 Positive Breast Cancer Patients

Start: Mar 2009Est. completion: Mar 201124 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT00790816SandozLapatinib in combination with an anti-cancer agent

Continuation Study of Lapatinib Monotherapy or Lapatinib in Combination With Other Anti-cancer Agents

Start: Oct 2008Est. completion: Aug 2016500 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT00722293GSKDoxorubicin

A Phase I, Open-label, Study of Pazopanib in Combination With Epirubicin or Doxorubicin for Advanced Solid Tumors

Start: Jul 2008Est. completion: Feb 2014111 patients
Phase 1Completed

Study To Examine The Effects Of Lapatinib On The Pharmacokinetics Of Digoxin In Subjects w/ ErbB2 Positive Breast Cancer

Start: Apr 2008Est. completion: Jul 200917 patients
Phase 1Completed

Combination Of Lapatinib With Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, and With or Without Trastuzumab In Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Start: Dec 2006Est. completion: Sep 201931 patients
Phase 1Completed

Pazopanib (VOTRIENT) Plus Paclitaxel (TAXOL), Pazopanib Plus Paclitaxel (TAXOL) Plus Carboplatin (PARAPLATIN), and Pazopanib Plus Paclitaxel (TAXOL) Plus Lapatinib (TYKERB)

Start: Apr 2006Est. completion: Jul 200986 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT00371488GSKGW572016 oral tablets

GW572016 Combined With Trastuzumab For The Treatment Of Previously Trastuzumab-Treated Breast Cancer

Start: Apr 2006Est. completion: Dec 200711 patients
Phase 1Completed

To Examine The Effects Of Lapatinib On Orally And Intravenously Administered Midazolam In Cancer Patients

Start: Nov 2005Est. completion: Feb 200724 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT00251433Sandozlapatinib, docetaxel, trastuzumab

GW572016 With Docetaxel and Trastuzumab for the Treatment Of Untreated ErbB2 Over-Expressing Metastatic Breast Cancer

Start: Sep 2005Est. completion: Jun 202253 patients
Phase 1Terminated
NCT00140738GSKGSK Biologicals' 719125

Safety and Immunogenicity Study of the New dHER2 Vaccine to Treat HER2-positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

Start: Mar 2005Est. completion: Sep 20093 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT00169533GSKGW572016 oral tablets

Rollover Study Of Lapatinib In Cancer Patients

Start: Aug 2004Est. completion: May 200931 patients
Phase 1Completed

GW572016 In Patients With Advanced Or Metastatic Breast Cancer

Start: Jun 2004Est. completion: Dec 200659 patients
Phase 1Completed

Pharmacokinetics And Pharmacodynamics Of Lapatinib In Two Dosing Regimens In Treatment-naive Patients With Breast Cancer

Start: Jun 2004Est. completion: Jan 200828 patients
Phase 1Completed

Effects Of GW572016 In Combination With Docetaxel (TAXOTERE)

Start: Apr 2003Est. completion: Jan 200652 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT00058526GSKImmunotherapeutic SB719125

A Dose-escalation Vaccine Trial in HER2-overexpressing Patients With High-risk Breast Cancer

Start: Mar 2003Est. completion: Sep 200661 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT01782651GSKLapatinib plus capecitabine

Treatment Options in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

Start: Aug 2014Est. completion: Jul 20151 patients
N/ACompleted

Related Jobs in Oncology

Phase Legend

PreclinicalLab & animal studies
Phase 1Safety & dosing
Phase 2Efficacy testing
Phase 3Large-scale trials
On MarketApproved & available

Key Insights

11 late-stage (Phase 3) programs, potential near-term approvals
Small Molecule is the dominant modality (95% of programs)
5 companies competing in this space

The information on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from FDA, DailyMed, and other government databases. Adverse event data from FAERS does not establish causation. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical decisions.