Antibody-drug conjugates: the clinical development in gastric cancer
Yingze Zhu1, Miao Zhou2, Wenyue Kong1
1School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China.
Abstract:
Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignant tumor of the digestive system worldwide, ranking among the top five in terms of incidence and mortality. However, the clinical efficacy of conventional treatments for gastric cancer remains limited, with a median overall survival of approximately eight months for advanced cases. In recent years, researchers have increasingly focused on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) as a promising approach. ADCs are potent chemical drugs that selectively target cancer cells by binding to specific cell surface receptors with antibodies. Notably, ADCs have demonstrated promising results in clinical studies and have made significant strides in the treatment of gastric cancer. Currently, several ADCs are under investigation in clinical trials for gastric cancer patients, targeting various receptors such as EGFR, HER-2, HER-3, CLDN18.2, Mucin 1, among others. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of ADC drug characteristics and provides an overview of the research progress in ADC-based therapies for gastric cancer.
Insights
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) show promise for treating gastric cancer (GC), offering targeted therapy beyond conventional treatments. Research is advancing ADCs targeting various receptors for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, with limited efficacy of current treatments for advanced stages.
- Conventional therapies offer a median overall survival of approximately eight months for advanced gastric cancer.
- Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) characteristics.
- To summarize the research progress of ADC-based therapies in gastric cancer treatment.
- To highlight the potential of ADCs in improving outcomes for gastric cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on ADCs for gastric cancer.
- Analysis of ADC drug characteristics and targeting mechanisms.
- Overview of ongoing clinical trials and their progress.
Main Results:
- ADCs selectively target cancer cells by linking potent cytotoxic drugs to antibodies that bind specific cell surface receptors.
- Several ADCs targeting receptors like EGFR, HER-2, HER-3, CLDN18.2, and Mucin 1 are under investigation for gastric cancer.
- ADCs have demonstrated significant promise in clinical studies for gastric cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- ADCs represent a significant advancement in gastric cancer therapy, offering a targeted approach.
- Ongoing research and clinical trials are expanding the therapeutic landscape for gastric cancer.
- ADCs hold potential to improve survival rates and treatment efficacy for gastric cancer patients.
