Antibody drug conjugates for glioblastoma: current progress towards clinical use

IntroductionAntibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are now a proven therapeutic class for many cancers, combining highly specific targeting with the potency of high effective payloads. This review summarizes the experience with ADCs in brain tumors and examines future paths for their use in these tumors.Areas coveredThis review will cover all the key classes of ADCs which have been tested in primary brain tumors, including commentary on the major trials to date. The efficacy of these trials, as well as their limitations, will put in context of the overall landscape of drug development in brain tumors. Importantly, this review will summarize key learnings and insights from these trials that help provide the basis for rational ways in which these drugs can be effectively and appropriate developed for patients with primary brain tumors.Expert opinionADC development in brain tumors has occurred in two major phases to date. Key learnings from previous trials provide a strong rationale for the continued development of these drugs for primary brain tumors. However, the unique biology of these tumors requires development strategies specifically tailored to maximize their optimal development.

Automated summary

ADCs have shown great potential in the treatment of brain tumors by combining specific targeting with effective drug payloads. This review discusses the different classes of ADCs tested in primary brain tumors and evaluates their efficacy and limitations. The valuable insights gained from previous trials provide a strong rationale for further development of ADCs tailored for the unique biology of brain tumors.