Affiliations: [a] Drug Discovery and Nanomedicine Research Program, CA-90404, USA | [b] Department of Translational Neurosciences and Neurotherapeutics, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, CA-90404, USA | [c] University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA | [d] Nascent Biotech, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Venkata Mahidhar Yenugonda, Drug Discovery and Nanomedicine Research Program, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, CA-90404, USA. Tel.: +1 310 582 7489; E-mail: vmy@jwci.org.
Abstract: Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a promising and an efficient strategy for targeted cancer therapy. Comprised of a monoclonal antibody, a cytotoxic drug, and a linker, ADCs offer tumor selectively, reduced toxicity, and improved stability in systemic circulation. Recent approvals of two ADCs have led to a resurgence in ADC research, with more than 60 ADCs under various stages of clinical development. The therapeutic success of future ADCs is dependent on adherence to key requirements of their design and careful selection of the target antigen on cancer cells. Here we review the main components in the design of antibody drug conjugates, improvements made, and lessons learned over two decades of research, as well as the future of third generation ADCs.
