Antibody-Drug Conjugates for Breast Cancer Treatment: Emerging Agents, Targets and Future Directions

To achieve the scheme of magic bullets in antitumor therapy, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) were developed. ADCs consist of antibodies targeting tumor-specific antigens, chemical linkers, and cytotoxic payloads that powerfully kill cancer cells. With the approval of ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) and fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), the therapeutic potentials of ADCs in breast cancer have come into the spotlight. Nearly 30 ADCs for breast cancer are under exploration to move targeted therapy forward. In this review, we summarize the presenting and emerging agents and targets of ADCs. The ADC structure and development history are also concluded. Moreover, the challenges faced and prospected future directions in this field are reviewed, which give insights into novel treatments with ADCs for breast cancer.

Automated summary

To achieve targeted therapy in breast cancer treatment, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have been developed. ADCs consist of antibodies that target tumor-specific antigens, chemical linkers, and cytotoxic payloads that kill cancer cells effectively. The approval of ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) and fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) has highlighted the therapeutic potential of ADCs in breast cancer. This review summarizes the current and emerging ADC agents and targets, as well as the structure and development history of ADCs. It also discusses the challenges and future directions in this field, providing insights into novel treatments for breast cancer using ADCs.