Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) are cancer treatments that combine antibodies with powerful chemotherapy drugs. The antibody targets specific cancer cell markers, guiding the attached drug directly to the tumor. This approach allows the drug to focus on the cancer cells, minimizing harm to healthy tissue and reducing side effects. ADCs are used in treating a variety of cancers, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and urothelial cancer.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) are innovative cancer treatments that combine monoclonal antibodies with powerful chemotherapy drugs. The antibody targets specific markers on cancer cells, guiding the attached drug directly to the tumor. This method allows the drug to act more precisely on cancer cells, reducing damage to healthy tissue and minimizing side effects. ADCs are being used to treat cancers like breast cancer, lung cancer, and urothelial cancer.
Key Features of ADCs:
- Targeted delivery of chemotherapy to cancer cells
- Monoclonal antibodies direct the drug to the tumor
- Reduces side effects and systemic toxicity
- Increases the effectiveness of cancer treatment
- Used for a variety of cancers
Common Applications of ADCs:
- Breast Cancer: Used for HER2-positive breast cancer patients, such as Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla).
- Lung Cancer: Targeting lung cancers with specific markers, like TROP2 and EGFR.
- Urothelial Cancer: Effective for advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, such as Enfortumab vedotin (Padcev).
- Gastric Cancer: Investigated for HER2-positive gastric cancer treatment.
- Other Cancers: ADCs are being explored for various cancers with specific targets.
Notable ADCs:
- Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla): For HER2-positive breast cancer.
- Enfortumab vedotin (Padcev): For metastatic urothelial cancer.
- Sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy): For metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.
- Disitamab vedotin (RC48): For various solid tumors.
ADCs offer a more precise approach to cancer treatment, providing effective therapies with fewer side effects.