Topic: Harnessing Antibody-Drug Conjugates for the Treatment of Solid Tumors: Challenges and Opportunities

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are the result of intense research aimed at developing novel cancer therapies with improved targeting capabilities and reduced side effects. ADCs are targeted immunoconjugate compounds consisting of three main components: a monoclonal antibody, a cytotoxic drug (known as the payload), and a linker molecule. The monoclonal antibody is engineered to bind specifically to antigens that are overexpressed on cancer cells. The payload is a potent chemotherapeutic agent that effectively kills cancer cells. The linker molecule attaches the cytotoxic drug to the antibody and releases the cytotoxic payload within the cancer cells through enzymatic cleavage or chemical degradation. Once released, the drug induces cancer cell death by selectively targeting cancer cells while sparing normal cells. This strategy allows the delivery of higher doses of chemotherapeutic agents with increased efficacy, while the monoclonal antibody can also trigger an immune response, further improving the antitumor activity. In the last years, there has been a surge in scientific publications and patents related to ADC research, with the USA, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, and South Corea leading the field. ADC research is particularly focused on solid tumors such as breast, ovarian, prostate, lung, and pancreatic cancers, as well as immunotherapy or combination chemotherapy. Currently, over 50 organizations worldwide - mostly from the USA, Europe, and Asia - are engaged in research on more than 160 ADC preclinical candidates. This clearly highlights the growing significance of ADCs in the field of cancer research.

ADC, monoclonal antibody, targeted cytotoxic drug, immunotherapy, combination therapy, solid tumors

20 Feb 2025