The three components
An antibody directed at a target, a cytotoxic payload, and a linker that holds them together until the drug is released.
Antibody-drug conjugates
Targeted delivery of cytotoxic treatment.
An antibody-drug conjugate combines an antibody that recognises a target on cancer cells with a cytotoxic drug attached to it. The aim is to concentrate treatment where the target is expressed.
What it involves
How ADCs work and where they are used.
Target expression
Because activity depends on the target, pathology and biomarker testing determine whether an ADC is relevant in a given cancer.
Established settings
ADCs have defined roles in several cancers, including selected breast, urothelial, lung and haematological cancers, depending on subtype and prior treatment.
Side-effect profile
Effects reflect both the antibody and the payload, and differ between agents. Specific monitoring is defined for each drug.
Monitoring
Blood counts, organ function and treatment-specific concerns are reviewed on a schedule, and new symptoms are assessed promptly.
How suitability is decided
Diagnosis and subtype, biomarker findings, previous treatment, organ function and overall health are considered together in clinical review.
Availability, approved indications and evidence for individual ADCs change over time. Suitability cannot be determined from a website and requires specialist assessment.
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