Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), chemotherapeutic agents conjugated to an antibody to enhance their targeted delivery to tumors, represent a significant advancement in cancer therapy. ADCs combine the precise targeting capabilities of antibodies and the potent cell-killing effects of chemotherapy, allowing for enhanced cytotoxicity to tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Here, we provide an overview of the current clinical landscape of ADCs, highlighting 11 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved products and discussing over 500 active clinical trials investigating newer ADCs. We also discuss some key challenges associated with the clinical translation of ADCs and highlight emerging strategies to overcome these hurdles. Our discussions will provide useful guidelines for the future development of safer and more effective ADCs for a broader range of indications.
Keywords: ADC; FDA; antibody; antibody–drug conjugate; cancer; cancer treatment; chemotherapy; clinic; clinical translation; clinical trial; drug delivery.
© 2024 The Authors. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Institute of Chemical Engineers.