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Rectal Cancer

Oncology
38
Pipeline Programs
30
Companies
50
Clinical Trials
11 recruiting
0
Approved Products

Pipeline by Development Stage

Preclinical
Phase 1
Phase 1/2
Phase 2
Phase 2/3
Phase 3
On Market
0
4
4
18
2
8
2
Early DiscoveryClinical DevelopmentMarket

Drug Modality Breakdown

Monoclonal Antibody
1067%
Small Molecule
320%
Vaccine
213%
+ 61 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.

Competitive Landscape

43 companies ranked by most advanced pipeline stage

UNION therapeutics
2
6
3
1
SIS-reinforced anastomosisPhase 4
Capox chemotherapyPhase 31 trial
Short course radiotherapy sequential camrelizumab and chemotherapyPhase 31 trial
Short-course radiotherapyPhase 31 trial
Concurrent ChemoradiotherapyPhase 21 trial
+14 more programs
Active Trials
NCT05999227Unknown20Est. Jul 2024
NCT03573791Recruiting152Est. May 2027
NCT03416699Unknown300Est. Nov 2021
+15 more trials
Autonomous Therapeutics
1 program
1
SIS-reinforced anastomosisPhase 4
Alliance Pharmaceuticals
2 programs
1
1
LeucovorinPhase 31 trial
Chemotherapy, Celecoxib, and RadiationPhase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT00250835Terminated38Est. May 2015
NCT06205485Recruiting250Est. Jun 2030
MSD
MSDIreland - Ballydine
2 programs
1
1
Tegafur and UracilPhase 31 trial
PembrolizumabPhase 2Monoclonal Antibody1 trial
Active Trials
NCT02586610Withdrawn0Est. Dec 2020
NCT00207831Terminated219Est. Feb 2008
Sharp Therapeutics
1
1
Tegafur and UracilPhase 3
PembrolizumabPhase 2Monoclonal Antibody
Pharmbio Korea
1
ChemotherapyPhase 31 trial
Active Trials
NCT02843191Active Not Recruiting358Est. Jun 2026
JW Pharmaceutical
JW PharmaceuticalKorea - Seoul
1 program
1
ChemotherapyPhase 3
SurgiMab
1 program
1
SGM-101Phase 2/3
Human BioSciences
1
SGM-101Phase 2/31 trial
Active Trials
NCT04642924Unknown203Est. Oct 2023
Prevail Therapeutics
2
CetuximabPhase 2Monoclonal Antibody
FOLFOX4Phase 2
BioMimetix JV
1 program
1
BMX-001Phase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT05254327Recruiting118Est. Jun 2029
Elekta
ElektaSweden - Stockholm
1 program
1
Endo-HDRPhase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT02017704Completed9Est. Jan 2023
Colorado Therapeutics
Colorado TherapeuticsCO - Louisville
1 program
1
OxaliplatinPhase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT02008656Active Not Recruiting358Est. Nov 2026
Oregon Therapeutics
Oregon TherapeuticsFrance - Paris
1 program
1
OxaliplatinPhase 2
Innovation Pharmaceuticals
1 program
1
PanitumumabPhase 2Monoclonal Antibody1 trial
Active Trials
NCT01257360Unknown59Est. Jul 2016
MacroGenics
MacroGenicsMD - Rockville
1 program
1
RegorafenibPhase 2Small Molecule
Taiho Pharma
1 program
1
TAS 102Phase 2
Incyte
IncyteDE - Wilmington
1 program
1
EpacadostatPhase 1/2Small Molecule1 trial
Active Trials
NCT03516708Recruiting49Est. Aug 2030
Isofol Medical
Isofol MedicalSweden - Gothenburg
1 program
1
[6R] 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolatePhase 1/21 trial
Active Trials
NCT01397305Completed24Est. Oct 2014
Bayer
BayerLEVERKUSEN, Germany
2 programs
1
SorafenibPhase 1Small Molecule1 trial
MR-PETN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT02651701Completed71Est. Nov 2019
NCT01376453Completed18Est. Mar 2016
AstraZeneca
AstraZenecaCAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom
1 program
1
AZD6244Phase 11 trial
Active Trials
NCT01160926Terminated31Est. Nov 2016
Sandoz
SandozAustria - Kundl
1 program
1
BYL719Phase 1
Design Pharmaceuticals
1
CEA protein antigen plus BCG Vaccine Mix for percutaneous usePhase 1Vaccine
Rocket Pharmaceuticals
3 programs
Clostridium butyricumN/A1 trial
Delayed transanal pull-through anastomosisN/A1 trial
SIS-reinforced anastomosisPHASE_41 trial
Active Trials
NCT07369830Recruiting156Est. Jun 2029
NCT06662643Active Not Recruiting110Est. Dec 2029
NCT07209787Recruiting966Est. Aug 2027
Roche
RocheSTAVANGER NORWAY, Norway
3 programs
Bevacizumab + Capecitabine + RadiotherapyPHASE_2
Capecitabine, Oxaliplatin and CetuximabPHASE_2Monoclonal Antibody
Folinic Acid, interferon-alphaPHASE_31 trial
Active Trials
NCT01060501Completed796Est. Jul 2009
Providence Therapeutics
2 programs
Patient Activation Booklet and nursing support for patients with LARSN/A1 trial
TAS 102PHASE_21 trial
Active Trials
NCT03828318Completed160Est. Jan 2024
NCT04417699Completed13Est. Feb 2024
Genentech
GenentechCA - Oceanside
2 programs
BevacizumabPHASE_1Monoclonal Antibody1 trial
AvastinPHASE_21 trial
Active Trials
NCT00543842Completed19Est. Dec 2013
NCT00113230Completed25Est. Jan 2009
Chia Tai TianQing Pharmaceutical Group
2 programs
Bevacizumab injectionPHASE_11 trial
Short-course radiotherapyPHASE_21 trial
Active Trials
NCT05476341Completed98Est. Aug 2017
NCT05576480Recruiting55Est. Dec 2026
Bristol Myers Squibb
2 programs
CetuximabPHASE_2Monoclonal Antibody1 trial
FOLFOX4PHASE_21 trial
Active Trials
NCT00611858Terminated13Est. Sep 2016
NCT00580073Terminated6Est. Nov 2009
Eli Lilly and Company
Eli Lilly and CompanyINDIANAPOLIS, IN
2 programs
CetuximabPHASE_2Monoclonal Antibody
FOLFOX4PHASE_2

+13 more companies

Trial Timeline

Clinical trial activity over time

2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
Rocket PharmaceuticalsSIS-reinforced anastomosis
UNION therapeuticsShort-course radiotherapy
Alliance PharmaceuticalsLeucovorin
UNION therapeuticsCapox chemotherapy
UNION therapeuticsShort course radiotherapy sequential camrelizumab and chemotherapy
Pharmbio KoreaChemotherapy
MSDTegafur and Uracil
RocheFolinic Acid, interferon-alpha
Human BioSciencesSGM-101
UNION therapeuticsShort-course radiotherapy
UNION therapeuticsTrastuzumab biosimilars and pertuzumab biosimilars plus XELOX
UNION therapeuticsHLX07
UNION therapeuticssplit-course hypofraction radiotherapy
Chia Tai TianQing Pharmaceutical GroupShort-course radiotherapy
BioMimetix JVBMX-001

Showing 15 of 50 trials with date data

Clinical Trials (50)

Total enrollment: 9,005 patients across 50 trials

NCT07209787Rocket PharmaceuticalsSIS-reinforced anastomosis

SIS-Reinforced vs. Conventional Anastomosis for Mid-to-Low Rectal Cancer: A Multicenter RCT on Anastomotic Leak

Start: Sep 2025Est. completion: Aug 2027966 patients
Phase 4Recruiting
NCT07113275UNION therapeuticsShort-course radiotherapy

A Clinical Trial Comparing Long-Course Versus Short-Course Radiotherapy Followed by Immunotherapy Combined With Total Neoadjuvant Therapy (TNT) to Long-Course Radiotherapy Followed by TNT in High-Risk Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Start: Feb 2026Est. completion: Dec 2028435 patients
Phase 3Not Yet Recruiting

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, Excision And Observation vs Chemoradiotherapy For Rectal Cancer

Start: Jun 2024Est. completion: Jun 2030250 patients
Phase 3Recruiting

Comparison of the Pathological Effect Between 2 and 4 Cycles Neoadjuvant CAPOX for Low/Intermediate Risk II/III Rectal Cancer

Start: Aug 2021Est. completion: Dec 2027554 patients
Phase 3Active Not Recruiting
NCT04928807UNION therapeuticsShort course radiotherapy sequential camrelizumab and chemotherapy

Short-Course Radiotherapy Followed by Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Camrelizumab in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (UNION)

Start: Jul 2021Est. completion: Mar 2028231 patients
Phase 3Active Not Recruiting

Consolidation Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Mid or Low Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

Start: Dec 2016Est. completion: Jun 2026358 patients
Phase 3Active Not Recruiting
NCT00207831MSDTegafur and Uracil

Trial Testing Ftorafur (UFT) Associated With Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy Versus Radiotherapy Alone in Rectal Adenocarcinoma

Start: Jul 2004Est. completion: Feb 2008219 patients
Phase 3Terminated
NCT01060501RocheFolinic Acid, interferon-alpha

Modulation of Adjuvant 5-FU by Folinic Acid and Interferon-alpha in Colon Cancer

Start: Jul 1992Est. completion: Jul 2009796 patients
Phase 3Completed

SGM-101 in Locally Advanced and Recurrent Rectal Cancer

Start: Oct 2019Est. completion: Oct 2023203 patients
Phase 2/3Unknown
NCT07239466UNION therapeuticsShort-course radiotherapy

A Pilot Study Evaluating β-hydroxybutyrate Supplementation Concomitant to Short-Course Radiotherapy Followed by Immunotherapy Combined With CAPEOX Neoadjuvant Therapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Start: Jan 2026Est. completion: Jun 202725 patients
Phase 2Recruiting
NCT07108127UNION therapeuticsTrastuzumab biosimilars and pertuzumab biosimilars plus XELOX

Efficacy and Safety of Trastuzumab Biosimilars and Pertuzumab Biosimilars Combined With Chemotherapy for Neoadjuvant Treatment of Patients With Locally Advanced HER2-positive Rectal Cancer

Start: Jun 2025Est. completion: Dec 202624 patients
Phase 2Recruiting

Short-Course Radiotherapy Followed by Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, HLX07and Serplulimab in LARC

Start: Jul 2024Est. completion: Dec 202629 patients
Phase 2Recruiting
NCT05969847UNION therapeuticssplit-course hypofraction radiotherapy

Organ Preservation Following Enverolimab-based Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Very Low Rectal Cancer

Start: Aug 2023Est. completion: Dec 202772 patients
Phase 2Not Yet Recruiting

SCRT Sequential Penpulimab in Combination With CAPEOX in the Neoadjuvant Treatment of MSS Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Start: Feb 2023Est. completion: Dec 202655 patients
Phase 2Recruiting

Trial of the Efficacy and Safety of Short and Long Course Radiation Therapy With/Without BMX-001

Start: Aug 2022Est. completion: Jun 2029118 patients
Phase 2Recruiting

SHOrt Course Radiation and TASOX (TAS102 Plus Oxaliplatin) Chemotherapy in Operable Rectal Cancer

Start: Jul 2022Est. completion: Feb 202413 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT04543695UNION therapeuticsConcurrent Chemoradiotherapy

A Study of Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for High-risk Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Start: Aug 2020Est. completion: Jun 2025255 patients
Phase 2Unknown
NCT03038256UNION therapeuticsconcurrent capecitabine-based long-term radiotherapy followed by 4 cycles XELOX and a delayed TME

Effect of Concurrent Capecitabine-based Long-term Radiotherapy Followed by XELOX Plus TME in Patients With High Risk Rectal Cancer: a Multi-centers, Randomized Controlled, Open-Label Trial

Start: Jan 2018Est. completion: Jun 2025244 patients
Phase 2Unknown
NCT02586610MSDPembrolizumab

Trial of Chemoradiation and Pembrolizumab in Patients With Rectal Cancer

Start: Oct 2016Est. completion: Dec 20200
Phase 2Withdrawn

Chemoradiation or Brachytherapy for Rectal Cancer

Start: Jun 2014Est. completion: Jan 20239 patients
Phase 2Completed

Trial Evaluating 3-year Disease Free Survival in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Treated With Chemoradiation Plus Induction or Consolidation Chemotherapy and Total Mesorectal Excision or Non-operative Management

Start: Nov 2013Est. completion: Nov 2026358 patients
Phase 2Active Not Recruiting

Neoadjuvant Radiochemotherapy Combined With Panitumumab in Locally Advanced KRAS Wild-type Rectal Cancer

Start: Jul 2011Est. completion: Sep 201348 patients
Phase 2Completed

Panitumumab in Combination With Radiotherapy in Patients With Locally Advanced RAS Wildtype Rectal Cancer (Clinical Stages II and III)

Start: Dec 2010Est. completion: Jul 201659 patients
Phase 2Unknown

Cetuximab, 5-FU and Radiation as Neoadjuvant Therapy for Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Start: May 2008Est. completion: Sep 201613 patients
Phase 2Terminated

Phase II Trial of Neoadjuvant FOLFOX4 and Cetuximab for Localized Adenocarcinoma of Rectum

Start: Dec 2007Est. completion: Nov 20096 patients
Phase 2Terminated
NCT00457327Heidelberg Pharmaprotective ileostomy

Pilot Study for Evaluation of the Need for Protective Ileostomy After Low Anterior Resection Due to Rectal Cancer

Start: Jul 2006Est. completion: Mar 200740 patients
Phase 2Terminated
NCT00250835Alliance PharmaceuticalsChemotherapy, Celecoxib, and Radiation

Combination of Oxaliplatin, Capecitabine, and Celecoxib With Concurrent Radiation for Rectal Cancer

Start: Apr 2005Est. completion: May 201538 patients
Phase 2Terminated

Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation With RHUMAB VEGF (Avastin) for Rectal Cancer

Start: Feb 2005Est. completion: Jan 200925 patients
Phase 2Completed

Epacadostat (INCB024360) Added to Preoperative Chemoradiation in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Start: Jan 2020Est. completion: Aug 203049 patients
Phase 1/2Recruiting

Preoperative Short Course Radiotherapy With Chemotherapy and Camerelizumab in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Start: Nov 2019Est. completion: Sep 202330 patients
Phase 1/2Unknown

Radiotherapy With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy in Rectal Cancer

Start: Nov 2019Est. completion: Dec 202330 patients
Phase 1/2Suspended
NCT01397305Isofol Medical[6R] 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate

An Extended Feasibility Phase I/II Study of Methylenetetrahydrofolate (Arfolitixorin) and Pemetrexed Single Agent, Given as Neoadjuvant Treatment in Patients With Resectable Rectal Cancer

Start: Apr 2011Est. completion: Oct 201424 patients
Phase 1/2Completed
NCT02403505Design TherapeuticsCEA protein antigen plus BCG Vaccine Mix for percutaneous use

Early Phase Clinical Trial About Therapeutic Biological Product Mix for Treating CEA Positive Rectal Cancer

Start: Dec 2021Est. completion: Feb 202620 patients
Phase 1Active Not Recruiting

A Phase I Clinical Trial of Bevacizumab Injection

Start: Apr 2017Est. completion: Aug 201798 patients
Phase 1Completed

Pre-operative 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and Sorafenib With External Radiation in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Start: Jun 2011Est. completion: Mar 201618 patients
Phase 1Completed

Dual REctcal Angiogenesis or MEK Inhibition radioTHERAPY Trial

Start: Jul 2010Est. completion: Nov 201631 patients
Phase 1Terminated

Bevacizumab, Erlotinib, and Capecitabine for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Start: Dec 2007Est. completion: Dec 201319 patients
Phase 1Completed

ctDNA and Organ Preservation/Pathologic CR in Rectal Cancer

Start: Oct 2026Est. completion: Jun 203060 patients
N/ANot Yet Recruiting

The Impact of Probiotic Intervention on the Gut Microbiota and Bowel Function

Start: Oct 2025Est. completion: Jun 2029156 patients
N/ARecruiting
NCT06087718Systems OncologyMaastro applicator

Feasibility of the Maastro Applicator in Rectal Cancer

Start: Aug 2024Est. completion: Apr 203110 patients
N/AActive Not Recruiting
NCT06524362JOGO HealthPelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Effect of Pelvic Rehabilitation After Low Anterior Resection for Cancer Rectum. - A Randomised Controlled Trial

Start: Aug 2024Est. completion: Mar 202677 patients
N/ANot Yet Recruiting
NCT06662643Rocket PharmaceuticalsDelayed transanal pull-through anastomosis

A Clinical Trial Comparing Staged Turnbull-Cutait Pull-through Anastomosis With Direct Anastomosis Plus Prophylactic Ileostomy in the Treatment of Low Rectal Cancer After Internal Sphincter Resection

Start: May 2024Est. completion: Dec 2029110 patients
N/AActive Not Recruiting

68Ga-FAPI-04 PET Imaging in Early Response Evaluation of Rectal Cancer Patients Treated With Immunotherapy

Start: Jun 2023Est. completion: Jul 202420 patients
N/AUnknown

A Study to Validate the Safety and Feasibility of ArtiSential in Colorectal Cancer Surgery Using Prospectively Constructed Multi-center Registry

Start: Oct 2022Est. completion: Dec 20291,000 patients
N/ARecruiting

Chemotherapy and Tislelizumab With Split-course HFRT for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Start: Dec 2021Est. completion: Dec 202550 patients
N/AUnknown
NCT03828318Providence TherapeuticsPatient Activation Booklet and nursing support for patients with LARS

Impact of a Patient-Centered Program for Low Anterior Resection Syndrome a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Start: Sep 2019Est. completion: Jan 2024160 patients
N/ACompleted
NCT04735107Martin Pharmaceuticalscolorectal anastomosis reinforcement and trans-anal drainage

Mucosal Flap Reinforced Colorectal Anastomosis and Trans-Anal Vacuum Drainage: A Feasibility Study

Start: Nov 2018Est. completion: Sep 202150 patients
N/AUnknown

Rectal Surgery Evaluation Trial (RESET)

Start: Oct 2018Est. completion: Dec 20241,098 patients
N/ACompleted
NCT03573791UNION therapeuticsBiomarkers for Predicting Neoadjuvant Chemoradio-resistance for Middle-low Advanced Rectal Cancer

Biomarkers for Predicting Neoadjuvant Chemoradio-resistance for Middle-low Advanced Rectal Cancer

Start: May 2018Est. completion: May 2027152 patients
N/ARecruiting
NCT03416699UNION therapeuticsChinese TaTME Registry Collaborative

Chinese TaTME Registry Collaborative

Start: Nov 2017Est. completion: Nov 2021300 patients
N/AUnknown

Related Jobs in Oncology

Phase Legend

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

Key Insights

8 late-stage (Phase 3) programs, potential near-term approvals
11 actively recruiting trials targeting 9,005 patients
30 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.