Outpatient Oncology Infusion Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Advancement in oncology treatments - Technological advancements and innovations in cancer therapies, such as immunotherapies, targeted therapies, and personalized medicines, often have manageable side effects and are suitable for outpatient administration. For instance, the administration of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies in outpatient settings is rapidly expanding and appears to have comparable outcomes in safety, efficacy, and QoL to inpatient administration while reducing the economic burden. Moreover, the development of portable and wearable infusion pumps allows for continuous or periodic infusion of therapies in an outpatient setting. These devices enhance patient mobility and comfort.
• Economic factors - Economic factors are significantly driving the outpatient oncology infusion market by promoting cost savings, improving insurance coverage, providing financial incentives for healthcare providers, and enhancing patient affordability. These factors contribute to the growth and expansion of outpatient infusion services, making them a more viable and attractive option within the healthcare system. For instance, a multicenter study between 2020 and 2022 on cancer patients conducted by top medical institutions in India observed that approximately 60% of patients seeking outpatient treatment were found to be covered under health insurance schemes.
• Growing trend of remote patient monitoring (RPM) - RPM enables healthcare providers to constantly monitor patients’ vital signs, treatment responses, and side effects. This real-time data helps in making timely adjustments to therapy, enhancing the effectiveness of outpatient treatments. Additionally, RPM tools often include features that engage patients in their own care, such as reminders for medication, self-monitoring instructions, and direct communication channels with healthcare providers. Increased patient engagement is linked to higher adherence to prescribed therapies, which is crucial for the success of outpatient treatments. According to estimates, in 2023, 72 million people were using the RPM system. By 2027, 120.5 million patients worldwide, or 1.4% of the world's population, will utilize RPM devices. 

Challenges

• Complex reimbursement processes - For outpatient oncology infusion therapy, there are multiple steps involved in the reimbursement process, such as pre-authorization, extensive documentation, and compliance with different payment standards. Moreover, frequent changes in reimbursement policies and regulations can lead to confusion and administrative challenges for healthcare providers, limiting their capacity to administer and manage outpatient oncology infusion treatments efficiently. As a result, navigating the complicated reimbursement landscape remains a substantial barrier to growing and expanding the outpatient oncology infusion market.
• Shortage of skilled professionals - Outpatient oncology infusion therapies frequently require highly competent oncology staff who are trained in administering complex infusions and managing side effects. A shortage of skilled professionals can impact outpatient oncology infusion market expansion. Furthermore, recruiting and retaining qualified staff can be challenging, particularly in underserved or rural areas.