Frontiers in Antibody-Drug Conjugates: Mechanisms, Design Innovations, and Clinical Applications in Targeted Cancer
Xinghan Li1, Jiaming Liu2, Yitong Meng1
1Department of Stomatology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are targeted therapies delivering cytotoxic agents to tumors. This review covers ADC design, clinical success, and future strategies for enhanced cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) offer targeted cancer therapy by delivering cytotoxic payloads specifically to tumor cells.
- This approach aims to maximize anti-tumor efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
- To detail ADC mechanisms of action, design strategies, clinical advancements, and future directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
- Analysis of ADC components: antibody, linker, and payload.
- Examination of clinical data and approved ADC therapies.
- Discussion of challenges and emerging innovations in ADC technology.
Main Results:
- ADCs comprise an antibody, linker, and payload, optimized for targeted delivery.
- Approved ADCs like gemtuzumab ozogamicin, brentuximab vedotin, and trastuzumab emtansine demonstrate significant clinical success.
- Ongoing research addresses challenges such as tumor heterogeneity, resistance, and toxicity.
Conclusions:
- ADCs represent a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapy.
- Future strategies involving novel conjugation technologies, payloads, and combination therapies promise to expand ADC therapeutic potential.
- ADCs are poised to play an increasingly vital role in oncology and potentially other disease areas.
Keywords:
antibody–drug conjugatesclinical advancementscytotoxic agentsmechanisms of actionpayload designMore Related Videos
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