Treatment-Related Adverse Events of Antibody-Drug Conjugate Monotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic

Yuwei Li1,2, Linjing Zhou2,3, Sini Li2

  • 1Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.

Thoracic Cancer
|November 21, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) show promise for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. While most toxicities are manageable, fatal events often involve respiratory issues, necessitating careful monitoring of serious adverse events.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) offer novel therapeutic strategies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • Understanding the toxicity profiles of ADCs is crucial for safe and effective clinical application in NSCLC.
  • This study addresses the critical need to evaluate the safety and adverse events associated with ADC monotherapy in NSCLC patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively assess the incidence and nature of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) associated with ADC monotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • To identify specific toxicities and risk factors, including fatal events and adverse events of special interest (AESIs), in NSCLC patients treated with ADCs.
  • To provide insights into the overall safety profile and clinical management of ADCs in the context of NSCLC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov) for relevant studies.
  • Data extraction focused on treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), drug-related adverse events (AEs), and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) from included studies.
  • Pooled incidence rates of TRAEs were calculated using a random-effects model, with subgroup analyses for specific toxicities and agents.

Main Results:

  • Analysis of 13 studies involving 1566 NSCLC patients revealed a high overall incidence of TRAEs (93.67%).
  • Grade ≥3 TRAEs occurred in 38.74% of patients, with serious TRAEs in 15.89%. Discontinuation and mortality rates were 9.52% and 0.63%, respectively.
  • Fatal TRAEs were predominantly respiratory; Trastuzumab deruxtecan was linked to pneumonitis/ILD, while TROP2-targeted ADCs showed higher rates of stomatitis and ocular toxicity.

Conclusions:

  • ADC monotherapy for NSCLC exhibits a high incidence of TRAEs, though most are low-grade and manageable.
  • Clinical vigilance is essential due to the significant proportion of fatal TRAEs, particularly those related to respiratory toxicity.
  • Close monitoring of Grade ≥3 adverse events of special interest (AESIs) is recommended for optimizing patient safety during ADC treatment.

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