Oral Mucositis Market (2025 - 2033) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Treatment (Growth Factor, Barrier, Topical Analgesics, Cryotherapy), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies), By Region, And Segment Forecasts

Oral Mucositis Market Summary

The global oral mucositis market size was estimated at USD 1.50 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.85 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.35% from 2025 to 2033. The rising clinical burden of Oral Mucositis (OM) is one of the major factors driving the market growth for oral mucositis.

OM is a frequent complication of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and increasing cancer treatment further impacts the OM market positively. In addition, the growing awareness of supportive care options and the need to improve patients’ quality of life during cancer treatment are boosting market demand. Continuous research and development in preventive and therapeutic interventions for oral mucositis is also driving the market’s growth.

Increasing cases of cancer day by day are driving growth in the oral mucositis industry. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects over 35 million new cancer cases by 2050, a 77% increase from an estimated 20 million cases in 2022, reflecting both population aging and growth. This increase leads to a larger number of patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which frequently results in oral mucositis as a side effect. Furthermore, improvements in cancer therapies have enhanced survival rates, expanding the population requiring supportive care. Demand for effective oral mucositis treatments is increasing, and the market is growing.

Advancements in regular clinical assessment and management guidelines support oral mucositis treatment. In June 2024, the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) and the International Society of Oral Oncology (ISOO) released updated guidance recommending the WHO Oral Toxicity Scale for OM assessment in clinical trials. This global standard assists in standardizing assessment within various evaluation environments, such as radiotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). These guidelines will help ensure better patient monitoring, accelerate the development of new treatments, and promote effective OM interventions more widely, which is expected to drive market growth.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The oral mucositis industry shows moderate innovation, characterized by developing specialized therapies such as bio-adhesive barrier gels, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and growth factors. While these advancements improve patient outcomes, the groundbreaking innovation remains steady rather than rapid.

Mergers and acquisitions in the market are moderately active. Companies follow strategic partnerships and investments to enhance their product portfolios and expand market reach. For instance, in September 2024, InfuSystem and Sanara MedTech Inc. announced an exclusive distribution agreement for ChemoMouthpiece, a 510(k) cleared device that uses cryotherapy to reduce the prevalence and severity of OM in patients undergoing stomatotoxic chemotherapy treatments. This collaboration emphasizes the industry's focus on integrating innovative technologies to address the challenges of OM management.

Regulatory framework plays a significant role in shaping the market landscape. Government agencies such as the FDA, EMA, and PMDA, along with clinical guidelines from organizations such as MASCC/ISOO, influence product development and clinical adoption. These regulations ensure patient safety and standardize care practices, impacting the approval and acceptance of new treatments.

Expansion of product strategies is evident as companies aim to diversify their offerings to cater to a broader patient base. This includes the introduction of new formulations, delivery methods, and adjunctive therapies to enhance the efficacy and convenience of treatments. For example, the development of oral gels and mouthwashes provides patients with more accessible and user-friendly options for managing OM.

Regionally, the market is witnessing significant growth, particularly in North America and the Asia-Pacific. North America, led by the United States, remains a dominant player due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure and high prevalence of cancer. In the Asia-Pacific region, countries like Japan and India are experiencing rapid market expansion, driven by increasing cancer patient numbers and the adoption of advanced supportive care therapies. Government initiatives and healthcare reforms in these regions are further driving market growth.

Treatment Insights

The barrier and coating gels & rinses segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 34.5% in 2024. This dominance is due to products such as Gelclair and Caphosol, which provide immediate pain relief after forming a protective layer on the oral mucosa. These products are widely used in cancer care settings due to their ease of use and non-invasive nature. Clinical studies supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) have demonstrated that bioadhesive oral gels effectively reduce the severity of mucositis and improve patient comfort during chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For instance, government-backed research highlights that protective mucosal coatings significantly reduce pain and help to maintain nutritional intake among cancer patients. Moreover, a retrospective single-center study on head and neck cancer patients using Episil showed that approximately 67.5% of the oral mucosa was covered by the protective membrane 3 hours after administration, which correlated with symptom relief and improved nutritional status. The growing reliance on these products in hospitals and supportive care units strongly strengthens their position as the largest revenue-generating segment in the oral mucositis industry.

The Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 16.1% over the forecast period. This is due to its proven efficacy in reducing the incidence and severity of high-grade mucositis. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, reported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) data, reported that LLLT reduced the risk of severe mucositis, such as grade 3–4, by approximately 60%. Clinical trials also show that LLLT shortens recovery time, with patients achieving complete resolution of mucositis approximately four days earlier than standard care. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recognized LLLT as a safe and effective preventive method in cancer therapy. The combination of strong clinical evidence, growing government guideline support, and minimal adverse effects is driving the rapid adoption of LLLT across global cancer centers.

Distribution Channel Insights

The hospital pharmacies segment held the largest revenue share of 82.1% in 2024.These pharmacies are integral to managing OM, particularly in oncology settings where patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy are at high risk. Hospital pharmacies are favored for their ability to provide specialized care, including administering prescription medications and managing complex treatment regimens. The centralized nature of hospital pharmacies allows for coordinated care, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate treatment. This model is crucial for managing the side effects of cancer therapies, such as oral mucositis, and contributes to the dominance of hospital pharmacies in the distribution of related treatments.

The other segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% over the forecast period due to the convenience of home delivery services and the increasing adoption of digital health platforms, which have significantly contributed to the growth of online pharmacies. These platforms offer patients easy access to medications and supportive care products, particularly beneficial for those managing chronic conditions like OM. Infusion pharmacies, specializing in preparing and dispensing injectable medications, are critical in providing treatments requiring specialized handling and administration. The expansion of these channels is driven by technological advancements and a shift toward patient-centered care models, which prioritize accessibility and convenience.

Regional Insights

North America oral mucositis market held the largest share of 38.1% of the global market in 2024. The high prevalence of cancer, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and early adoption of innovative oral mucositis treatments drive the North American market. Strong research funding, the presence of major pharmaceutical companies, and evidence-based guidelines from organizations like NCI and MASCC/ISOO support widespread use of therapies such as barrier gels and growth factors. These factors collectively reinforce North America’s global oral mucositis treatment market leadership.

U.S. Oral Mucositis Market Trends

The U.S. oral mucositis industry dominated the North American region in 2024, driven by a combination of elements, including a high cancer incidence rate, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and significant investments in research and development. In October 2024, Jaguar Health Inc. launched Gelclair, an FDA-approved prescription product for managing oral mucositis, a painful side effect of cancer treatments. Gelclair provides rapid and long-lasting pain relief by forming a protective barrier on the oral mucosa, improving patients' ability to eat and speak. This launch emphasizes the growing demand for effective supportive care solutions in oncology, highlighting the U.S.'s leadership in adopting innovative therapies for managing oral mucositis.

Europe Oral Mucositis Market Trends

The Europe oral mucositis industry represents a significant market in the global perspective. The high prevalence of cancer, well-established healthcare infrastructure, and early adoption of advanced supportive care therapies drive the growth. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK have implemented standardized clinical guidelines, including MASCC/ISOO guidelines rather than national protocols, to improve oral mucositis assessment and management. The presence of major pharmaceutical companies and specialized oncology centers ensures wide accessibility of treatments such as barrier gels, growth factors, and low-level laser therapy. These factors collectively position Europe as a key contributor to the global oral mucositis treatment industry.

UK oral mucositis treatment industry is growing steadily as the demand is driven by expanding NHS supportive care, a shift toward patient quality-of-life–focused intervention, and high number of patients undergoing chemotherapy, HSCT, and radiotherapy. Transition from palliative to preventive OM care will dominate UK oncology support practices.

Germany oral mucositis treatment industry dominated the overall Europe market. Large oncology system, strong hospital/academic network, and well-funded supportive-care budgets make Germany one of the highest-value markets in Europe for OM prevention & treatment.

Asia Pacific Oral Mucositis Market Trends

The Asia-Pacific oral mucositis industry is expected to register a significant CAGR of 8.4% over the forecast period, driven by rising cancer incidence and increasing demand for supportive care. The adoption of innovative therapies, including bio adhesive barrier gels and low-level laser therapy, is expanding across hospitals and oncology centers. Government initiatives in countries like Japan and Australia are promoting the integration of advanced supportive care into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. Growing awareness among healthcare professionals and patients about managing treatment-related side effects, such as oral mucositis, drives market growth.

Japan oral mucositis industry is expanding rapidly, driven by a shift toward preventive oncology care, growth of photobiomodulation therapy, and expanding use of topical & natural formulations, aging population, and expanding cancer burden.

China oral mucositis industry is fueled by widespread adoption of oral hygiene protocols, cryotherapy, and topical agents to reduce OM severity. In addition, online pharmacies and platforms (JD Health, Tmall Medical) drive consumer awareness and adoption.

Latin America Oral Mucositis Market Trends

The Latin America oral mucositis industry is rapidly growing owing to the high prevalence of head & neck, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers, leading to high awareness and the requirement for treatment. The adoption is primarily in urban tertiary hospitals and cancer centers in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, & Chile, and rural or smaller hospitals often lack specialized devices and trained staff for advanced OM management.

Brazil oral mucositis industry registered a steady growth over the forecast period owing to high usage of Photobiomodulation (PBM)/low-level laser therapy devices at oncology centers and wide adoption of mucoadhesive gels, mouthwashes, and herbal-based oral rinses.

Middle East & Africa Oral Mucositis Market Trends

The MEA oral mucositis industry growth is driven by increasing cancer burden, growing use of oral hygiene protocols, cryotherapy, low-level laser therapy, and photobiomodulation (PBM) devices, and preference for therapies with documented efficacy and minimal side effects.

Key Oral Mucositis Company Insights

Some of the key companies in the market include Amgen Inc., Pfizer Inc., and Helsinn Healthcare SA. These organizations are focusing on increasing their customer base to gain a competitive edge in the industry. These companies are leading players in oral mucositis due to their strong product portfolios, significant market share, and active research and development in innovative therapies. Key players are taking several strategic initiatives, such as mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships with other major companies.

• Amgen Inc., a global biotechnology leader, has significantly advanced the market by developing palifermin (Kepivance). This recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor reduces the incidence and severity of severe oral mucositis in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. By enhancing mucosal protection and promoting tissue repair, Amgen's commitment to innovative therapies positions it as a pivotal player in improving patient outcomes and quality of life during cancer treatment.

• Pfizer Inc. is a significant player in the oral mucositis industry, focusing on developing and commercializing therapies to manage this debilitating condition. Pfizer has introduced various treatment options to alleviate oral mucositis symptoms through its oncology division, mostly in patients undergoing cancer therapies. Their commitment to advancing supportive care in oncology underscores their role in improving patients' quality of life during cancer treatment.

Recent Developments

• In September 2025, for an AI tool for predicting oral mucositis-related infections, University at Buffalo researchers introduced an AI model that outperformed traditional methods to predict infections in stem cell transplant patients with oral mucositis. This U.S.-developed tool has potential for worldwide clinical integration.

• In May 2025, the G11-2 Phase Ib trial interim results presented at ASCO indicated that the trial demonstrated NG11-2's potential to prevent/reduce severe radiation-induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients. Conducted in Europe, it advances topical interventions for global use.

• In May 2025, for meta-analysis on photobiomodulation efficacy in pediatric OM, a BMC cancer study confirmed that photobiomodulation (low-level laser therapy) reduces OM incidence and severity in children undergoing chemotherapy. Drawing from international data, it supports broader adoption in pediatric oncology worldwide.

Oral Mucositis Market Report Scope

Global Oral Mucositis Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global oral mucositis market report based on treatment, distribution channel, and region:

• Treatment Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Growth factor / Epithelial Protective Agents

  • Barrier/ Coating Gels and Rinses

  • Topical analgesics

  • Cryotherapy

  • Low-level Laser/ Photobiomodulation therapy (LLLT)

  • Antimicrobials

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Hospital Pharmacies

  • Retail Pharmacies

  • Other

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait