Advances and challenges in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for targeted cancer therapy
Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the potency of highly cytotoxic agents,
potentially reducing the severity of side effects by preferentially targeting their payload to the tumour site. ADCs are being
increasingly used in combination with other agents, including as first-line cancer therapies. As the technology to produce these
complex therapeutics has matured, many more ADCs have been approved or are in late-phase clinical trials. The diversification of
antigenic targets as well as bioactive payloads is rapidly broadening the scope of tumour indications for ADCs. Moreover, novel
vector protein formats as well as warheads targeting the tumour microenvironment are expected to improve the intratumour
distribution or activation of ADCs, and consequently their anticancer activity for difficult-to-treat tumour types. However, toxicity
remains a key issue in the development of these agents, and better understanding and management of ADC-related toxicities will be
essential for further optimization. This Review provides a broad overview of the recent advances and challenges in ADC development
for cancer treatment.
Read the full publication on Nature