Introduction: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, despite advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a promising therapeutic approach by delivering cytotoxic agents specifically to cancer cells, potentially reducing harm to healthy tissues. This study aims to explore the effectiveness and challenges associated with ADCs in NSCLC, with a focus on drug-induced interstitial lung disease (D-ILD).
Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted across MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), and other sources up to March 2023, to identify ADCs used in NSCLC treatment and their associated risk of D-ILD. The incidence of ILD was analyzed from clinical trial data, while ADC target expression was examined through RNA and protein levels in normal and tumor lung tissues.
Discussion: Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of ADCs in NSCLC, as evidenced by significant clinical outcomes. However, the occurrence of D-ILD presents a notable challenge, as its incidence was not directly correlated with the expression levels of the target antigens. This suggests that D-ILD may result from factors beyond antigen expression, including the cytotoxic payload and linker characteristics of ADCs.
Conclusion: ADCs offer a promising avenue for NSCLC treatment. Nonetheless, the risk of D-ILD necessitates a balanced approach in ADC development, focusing on optimizing linker and payload properties to mitigate this adverse effect. Further research is essential to better understand and manage D-ILD, ensuring the safe and effective use of ADCs in clinical practice.
Keywords: ERBB2; ILD; TROP2; antibody–drug conjugates, ADCs; interstitial lung disease; non-small-cell lung cancer, NSCLC; toxicity.