Antibody-Drug Conjugates in the Management of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer remains a predominant contributor to global cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women, with its incidence steadily rising and presenting complex therapeutic challenges. Conventional treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and molecularly targeted interventions, have demonstrated substantial clinical efficacy. The emergence of therapeutic resistance, systemic cytotoxicity, and metastatic progression continues to impede optimal treatment outcomes, however. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent an advanced class of targeted therapeutics engineered to deliver cytotoxic agents selectively to malignant cells, thereby augmenting antitumor efficacy while mitigating off-target toxicities. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms underpinning ADC activity, evaluates the current clinical landscape, and examines the inherent challenges in ADC-based breast cancer therapy. In addition, it discusses the clinical utility of Food and Drug Administration approved ADCs, ongoing clinical trials, and prospective advancements in ADC development.