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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Targeted Antibody Blocking by a Dual-Functional Conjugate of Antigenic Peptide and Fc-III Mimetics (DCAF)
Published on: September 17, 2019
Antibody-drug conjugate targets.
1Genzyme Corporation, Framingham, MA 01701-9322, USA. Beverly.Teicher@Genzyme.com
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) show promise for cancer treatment by targeting malignant cells. Despite past challenges, advancements in ADCs are paving the way for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) leverage antibodies to deliver cytotoxic agents specifically to cancer cells.
- The development of ADCs has faced challenges including antibody source, drug potency, immunogenicity, toxicity, and linker stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cell surface targets for ADCs, focusing on antibody-small molecule drug conjugates.
- To discuss the progress and potential of ADC technology in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on antibody-drug conjugate targets and development.
- Focus on cell surface proteins targeted by antibody-small molecule drug conjugates.
- Brief discussion of 34 investigated targets.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in overcoming historical hurdles in ADC development.
- Numerous targets are under investigation, with nearly 20 ADCs in clinical trials.
- Only one ADC has received regulatory approval to date.
Conclusions:
- ADC technology has evolved considerably, addressing previous limitations.
- The field is advancing rapidly, with many ADCs progressing through clinical trials.
- ADCs hold significant potential to become a major therapeutic option for cancer patients.
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