Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Summary

• The Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Size in the 7MM is expected to grow from USD 2,423 million in 2025 to USD 3,736 million in 2034.
• The Malignant Pleural Effusion Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.90% by 2034 in leading countries like the US, EU4, UK, and Japan.

Malignant Pleural Effusion Market and Epidemiological Analysis

• The Malignant Pleural Effusion market size in 7MM is expected to grow at a decent CAGR by 2034. Malignant pleural effusion occurs when fluid containing cancer cells accumulates between the chest wall and the lung, leading to symptoms like difficulty breathing and chest discomfort. This complication is frequent among various cancer types.
• The United States represents the largest proportion (approximately 38%) of incident cases of Malignant Pleural Effusion within the 7MM.
• Among EU4 and the UK, Germany accounts for the highest number of diagnosed Cases of Malignant Pleural Effusion approximately 26%, whereas Spain accounts for the lowest number approximately 15% of the diagnosed cases. Of total diagnosed cases of malignant pleural effusion, nearly 25% are not diagnosed which might be due to their asymptomatic presentation. 
• Among tumor types, lung cancer represents the highest number of incident cases of malignant pleural effusion. In 2023, the United States accounted for approximately 30% of the total incident cases of malignant pleural effusion attributed to lung cancer.
• Todate, no drug has been approved for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion and the patients may require treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a medication infusion within the chest.
• In cases of recurrent malignant pleural effusion, a sclerosing agent is sometimes introduced into the pleural cavity through a tube thoracostomy to induce pleural fibrosis. Pleural sclerosis, achieved with agents like talc, doxycycline, and tetracycline, has a success rate of approximately 50% in preventing effusion recurrence.
• The malignant pleural effusion pipeline is relatively limited, presenting an opportunity for pharmaceutical companies. This scarcity may stem from the high mortality rate associated with the condition.
• The limited presence of companies engaged in addressing this disease area could significantly influence the forthcoming market dynamics. RS Oncology, currently progressing through Phase I/II trials with promising outcomes for their drug, may attract the attention of other major players. This could potentially lead to a transformation in emerging therapeutic approaches for the condition.

Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Size and Forecasts

• 2025 Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Size: USD 2423 million in 2025
• 2034 Projected Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Size: USD 3736 million in 2034
• Growth Rate (2025-2034): 4.90 % CAGR
• Largest Malignant Pleural Effusion Market: United States

Key Factors Driving the Malignant Pleural Effusion Market

Patient pool driving the Malignant Pleural Effusion market

According to DelveInsight’s analysis, the incidence of pleural effusion in the 7MM reached approximately 4.1 million cases in 2023, with Malignant Pleural Effusion accounting for about 650K cases. The eligible MPE patient pool was estimated at around 500K cases, led by the EU4 and UK, followed by the United States. This growth, fueled by better cancer survival, detection, and diagnostics, will expand the MPE market and increase demand for treatments and tools.

Malignant Pleural Effusion treatment standards and guideline shifts

Management of MPE centers on symptom relief: thoracentesis, talc pleurodesis (talc poudrage/powder), and indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs). Recent guideline shifts (British Thoracic Society and other reviews) increasingly endorse IPCs as a first-line management option in many patients, changing procedure mix and device uptake in the MPE market. 

Malignant Pleural Effusion Competitive Landscape

The MPE pipeline, though modest, is beginning to expand with promising candidates. RS Oncology’s RSO-021 showed encouraging Phase I results at ASCO 2024, demonstrating tolerability, minimal systemic exposure, and early efficacy in MPE patients. Alongside efforts from Genelux Corporation and Candel Therapeutics, these emerging therapies could redefine the MPE market, creating significant opportunities for new entrants. Pipeline companies include smaller biotechs, device firms, and academic consortia focused on intrapleural biologics, fibrinolytics, locoregional delivery, and novel small molecules or radiotherapeutics.

Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Opportunities

The high incidence and palliative nature of Malignant Pleural Effusion make the market commercially significant, with steady procedure and device revenues (such as IPCs and pleurodesis materials). However, the palliative focus, diverse underlying cancers, and guideline-driven procedural choices limit major pharmaceutical advances. Market dynamics are likely to shift only with new intrapleural therapies that clearly reduce hospital readmissions and enhance quality of life.

DelveInsight's “Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Insight, Epidemiology and Market Forecast – 2034” report delivers an in-depth analysis of malignant pleural effusion epidemiology, market, and clinical development understanding, Addition to this report provides historical and forecasted epidemiology and market data as well as a detailed analysis on the malignant pleural effusion therapeutics market trends in the United States, EU4 (Germany, Spain, Italy, and France) and the United Kingdom, and Japan.

Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Report provides real-world prescription pattern analysis, emerging drugs assessment, market share, and uptake/adoption pattern of individual therapies, as well as historical and forecasted malignant pleural effusion market size from 2020 to 2034 in the 7MM. The report also covers current Malignant Pleural Effusion treatment practices/algorithms and unmet medical needs to curate the best opportunities and assess the market’s underlying potential.

Malignant Pleural Effusion Disease Understanding

Malignant Pleural Effusion Overview and Diagnosis

Malignant pleural effusion refers to the accumulation of fluid and cancerous cells in the space between the chest wall and the lung, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest discomfort. This complication is quite prevalent across various types of cancer. The manifestations of a malignant pleural effusion vary widely, with some individuals experiencing no symptoms while others may find them significantly distressing.

Malignant pleural effusions are typically diagnosed by detecting malignant cells in pleural fluid or tissue samples. Traditionally, cytological examination of fluid and histological examination of biopsy tissue have been the primary methods for diagnosis. However, advancements in diagnostic techniques such as ultrasound and computed tomography imaging, image-guided biopsies, PET scans, thoracoscopy, tumor marker studies, and immunocytochemical analysis have enabled earlier and more accurate detection of malignant pleural effusions.

The Malignant pleural effusion report provide overview of Malignant pleural effusion pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches and detailed treatment algorithm along with real-world scenario of a patient’s journey beginning from the first symptom, the time taken for diagnosis to the entire treatment process.

Further details related to country-based variations in diagnosis are provided in the report...

Malignant Pleural Effusion Treatment

Treating malignant pleural effusions typically involves conservative methods like repeated thoracentesis, pleurodesis, or indwelling pleural catheters (IPC). The ideal treatment prioritizes symptom relief while considering the patient's overall health, performance status, and the need for tissue samples for diagnosis. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or chest medication infusion may be necessary for managing a malignant effusion, and sclerosing agents might be used in cases of recurrent effusions to induce pleural fibrosis.

Malignant Pleural Effusion Epidemiology

The malignant pleural effusion epidemiology chapter in the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by Total Incident Cases of Pleural Effusion, Total Incident Cases of Malignant Pleural Effusion, Total Diagnosed Cases of Malignant Pleural Effusion, Total Incident Cases of Malignant Pleural Effusion by Tumor Type, Total Treated Cases of Malignant Pleural Effusion in the 7MM covering the United States, EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), United Kingdom, and Japan from 2020 to 2034.

Key Findings from Malignant Pleural Effusion Epidemiological Analyses and Forecast

• In the 7MM, the United States accounts for the highest number of incident cases of pleural effusion accounting for nearly 40% of total cases in 2023.
• In the United States, of total incident cases of malignant pleural effusion, nearly 75% were diagnosed and rest were undiagnosed.
• Among EU4 and the UK, Germany accounts for the highest number of diagnosed cases of malignant pleural effusion accounting for ~25% of total diagnosed cases in the region.
• According to the tumor type, in the 7MM, malignant pleural effusion cases were most common in lung cancer accounting for ~30% cases among diagnosed cases followed by breast cancer.

Malignant Pleural Effusion Epidemiology Segmentation

• Total Incident Cases of Pleural Effusion
• Total Incident Cases of Malignant Pleural Effusion
• Total Diagnosed Cases of Malignant Pleural Effusion
• Total Incident Cases of Malignant Pleural Effusion by Tumor Type
• Total Treated Cases of Malignant Pleural Effusion

Malignant Pleural Effusion Drug Analysis

The drug chapter segment of the malignant pleural effusion report encloses a detailed analysis of malignant pleural effusion pipeline drugs. It also deep dives into the malignant pleural effusion pivotal clinical trial details, recent and expected market approvals, patent details, the latest news, and recent deals and collaborations.

Emerging Malignant Pleural Effusion Drugs

RSO-021: RS Oncology

RSO-021 is a novel small molecule treatment that irreversibly binds mitochondrial peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3). Preclinical studies with RSO-021 have shown that inhibition of the antioxidant signaling network results in selective killing of malignant cells by upregulating oxidative stress; in contrast, healthy cells are spared.

The company is currently conducting a Phase I/II clinical trial (NCT05278975) to evaluate RSO-021's safety, tolerability, and toxicity in patients with malignant pleural effusion from various solid tumor types and mesothelioma. Full Phase I data will be presented at ASCO 2024. In late 2023, RS Oncology completed the Phase I dose escalation phase of the MITOPE trial, determining the recommended Phase II dose and safety profile of RSO-021 in relapsed cases. In February 2024, the company announced the initiation of Phase II dose expansion in a multicenter study in the United Kingdom as part of the MITOPE trial, with the first patient successfully dosed.

Note: Detailed emerging therapies assessment will be provided in the final report...

Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Outlook

Very few key players like RS Oncology is evaluating their lead candidates in Phase I/II clinical development. The company aims to investigate their product for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion. In the 7MM, the United States caputres the maximum market share of the malignant pleural effusion market. At present, the market lacks any approved drugs for malignant pleural effusion, with drainage procedures dominating the entire market for this condition.

Malignant Pleural Effusion Drugs Uptake

This section focuses on the uptake rate of potential Malignant Pleural Effusion drugs expected to be launched in the market during 2020–2034, which depends on the competitive landscape, safety, efficacy data along with order of entry. It is important to understand that the key players evaluating their novel therapies in the pivotal and confirmatory trials should remain vigilant when selecting appropriate comparators to stand the greatest chance of a positive opinion from regulatory bodies, leading to approval, smooth launch and rapid uptake.

Further detailed analysis of emerging therapies drug uptake in the report...

Malignant Pleural Effusion Pipeline Development Activities

The report provides insights into Malignant Pleural Effusion clinical trials within Phase III and Phase II stages. It also analyzes key players involved in developing targeted therapeutics.

Latest KOL Views on Malignant Pleural Effusion

To keep up with the real world scenario in current and emerging market trends, we take opinions from Key Industry leaders working in the domain through primary research to fill the data gaps and validate our secondary research. Industry Experts contacted for insights on evolving treatment landscape, patient reliance on conventional therapies, patient’s therapy switching acceptability, and drug uptake along with challenges related to accessibility.

Delveinsight’s analysts connected with 40+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 18+ KOLs in the 7MM. Their opinion helps understand and validate current and emerging therapy treatment patterns for malignant pleural effusion market trends.

Malignant Pleural Effusion Report Qualitative Analysis

We perform Qualitative and market Intelligence analysis using various approaches, such as SWOT analysis and Conjoint Analysis. In SWOT analysis, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in terms of gaps in disease diagnosis, patient awareness, physician acceptability, competitive landscape, cost-effectiveness, and geographical accessibility of therapies are provided. Conjoint Analysis analyzes multiple approved and emerging therapies based on relevant attributes such as safety, efficacy, frequency of administration, route of administration, and order of entry. Scoring is given based on these parameters to analyze the effectiveness of therapy.

In efficacy, the trial’s primary and secondary outcome measures are evaluated; for instance, in event-free survival, one of the most important primary outcome measures is event-free survival and overall survival.

Further, the therapies’ safety is evaluated wherein the acceptability, tolerability, and adverse events are majorly observed, and it sets a clear understanding of the side effects posed by the drug in the trials. In addition, the scoring is also based on the probability of success, and the addressable patient pool for each therapy. According to these parameters, the final weightage score and the ranking of the emerging therapies are decided.

Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Access and Reimbursement

The report further provides detailed insights on the country-wise accessibility and reimbursement scenarios, cost-effectiveness scenario of approved therapies, programs making accessibility easier and out-of-pocket costs more affordable, insights on patients insured under federal or state government prescription drug programs, etc.

Scope of the Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Report

• The Malignant Pleural Effusion market report covers a segment of key events, an executive summary, descriptive overview of malignant pleural effusion, explaining its causes, signs and symptoms, pathogenesis, and currently available therapies.
• Comprehensive insight has been provided into the epidemiology segments and forecasts, the future growth potential of diagnosis rate, disease progression along with treatment guidelines.
• Additionally, an all-inclusive account of both the current and emerging therapies, along with the elaborative profiles of late-stage and prominent therapies, will have an impact on the current treatment landscape.
• A detailed review of the malignant pleural effusion market, historical and forecasted market size, market share by therapies, detailed assumptions, and rationale behind our approach is included in the report, covering the 7MM drug outreach.
• The report provides an edge while developing business strategies, by understanding trends, through SWOT analysis and expert insights/KOL views, patient journey, and treatment preferences that help in shaping and driving the 7MM malignant pleural effusion.

Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Report Insights

• Malignant Pleural Effusion Patient Population
• Malignant Pleural Effusion Therapeutic Approaches
• Malignant Pleural Effusion Pipeline Analysis
• Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Size
• Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Trends
• Existing and future Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Opportunity
• Malignant Pleural Effusion Drugs Market

Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Report Key Strengths

• Ten Years Forecast
• 7MM Coverage
• Malignant Pleural Effusion Epidemiology Segmentation
• Key Cross Competition
• Malignant Pleural Effusion Conjoint analysis
• Malignant Pleural Effusion Drugs Uptake
• Key Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Forecast Assumptions

Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Report Assessment

• Current Malignant Pleural Effusion Treatment Practices
• Malignant Pleural Effusion Unmet Needs
• Malignant Pleural Effusion Pipeline Product Profiles
• Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Attractiveness
• Qualitative Analysis (SWOT and Conjoint Analysis)
• Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Drivers
• Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Barriers

Key Question Answered in the Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Report

Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Insights

• What is the historical and forecasted malignant pleural effusion patient pool/patient burden in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan?
• What was the malignant pleural effusion market size, the market size by therapies, market share (%) distribution in 2020, and what would it look like in 2034? What are the contributing factors/key catalysts for this growth?
• Which combination treatment approaches will have a significant impact on malignant pleural effusion drug treatment market size?
• Is there any unexplored patient setting that can open the window for growth in the future?
• Which class is going to be the largest contributor in market size in 2034?
• What are major changes in new treatment guidelines and impact on futute treatment landscape?
• Which major deals happened in past few months?
• What are the pricing variations among different geographies for approved Malignant Pleural Effusion therapies?
• How would the Malignant Pleural Effusion market drivers, barriers, and future opportunities affect the Malignant Pleural Effusion market dynamics and subsequent analysis of the associated trends?
• What are the current and emerging options for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion?
• How many companies are developing therapies for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion?
• What are the recent novel therapies, targets, mechanisms of action, and technologies developed to overcome the limitation of existing therapies?
• Patient acceptability in terms of preferred treatment options as per real-world scenarios?
• What are the country-specific accessibility issues of expensive, recently approved Malignant Pleural Effusion therapies?

Reasons to Buy the Malignant Pleural Effusion Market Report

• The report will help in developing business strategies by understanding the latest trends and changing treatment dynamics driving the malignant pleural effusion Market.
• Insights on patient burden/disease prevalence, evolution in diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years
• Understand the existing market opportunity in varying geographies and the growth potential over the coming years.
• Distribution of historical and current patient share based on real-world prescription data along with reported sales of approved products in the US, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan.
• Patient-based forecast model which uses bottom-up forecasting techniques is accepted as a gold standard in pharma forecasting.
• Identifying strong upcoming players in the market will help devise strategies to help get ahead of competitors.
• Detailed analysis and ranking of class-wise potential current and emerging therapies under the Conjoint analysis section to provide visibility around leading classes.
• Highlights of access and reimbursement policies of approved therapies, barriers to accessibility of expensive off-label therapies, and patient assistance programs.
• To understand Key Opinion Leaders’ perspectives around the accessibility, acceptability, and compliance-related challenges of existing treatment to overcome barriers in the future.
• Detailed insights on the unmet need of the existing market so that the upcoming players can strengthen their development and launch strategy.