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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Initial Evaluation of Antibody-conjugates Modified with Viral-derived Peptides for Increasing Cellular Accumulation and Improving Tumor Targeting
11:58

Initial Evaluation of Antibody-conjugates Modified with Viral-derived Peptides for Increasing Cellular Accumulation and Improving Tumor Targeting

Published on: March 8, 2018

Emerging role of antibody-drug conjugates in gastrointestinal malignancies

Uqba Khan1, Manish A Shah1

  • 1Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.

Cancer
|June 1, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) show promise for treating gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Ongoing research focuses on new targets and innovative ADC designs to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity in advanced disease.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies are a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, particularly in advanced or metastatic stages.
  • Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapy, merging antibody specificity with potent cytotoxic payloads.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current landscape of Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in the treatment of GI cancers.
  • To summarize the structural components, mechanisms of action, approved agents, and emerging clinical pipeline of ADCs for GI malignancies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of approved ADCs and ongoing clinical trials for GI cancers.
  • Analysis of innovative ADC designs and development strategies.

Main Results:

  • Approved ADCs like trastuzumab deruxtecan and disitamab vedotin are effective in HER2-overexpressing GI cancers.
  • Numerous investigational ADCs targeting novel antigens (Claudin 18.2, B7-H3, TROP2, etc.) are in clinical trials.
  • Novel ADC designs, including biparatopic formats and dual-payload strategies, are under development to overcome resistance and toxicity.

Conclusions:

  • ADCs have demonstrated enhanced efficacy and manageable toxicity in GI cancers.
  • The evolving pipeline and innovative designs hold significant potential to expand therapeutic options for GI malignancies.
  • Addressing resistance mechanisms and optimizing delivery are key future directions for ADC development in GI oncology.
Keywords:
antibody–drug conjugatescolorectal cancergastroesophageal cancergastrointestinal cancersprecision oncologytargeted drug delivery

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