Antibody-drug conjugates for the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and leukemia

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a broad class of molecules comprising of a potent cytotoxic agent conjugated with a monoclonal antibody using a chemically stable linker. By selecting a monoclonal antibody directed against a tumor-specific or tumor-associated antigen, ADCs allow the targeted delivery of highly potent cytotoxic agents that result in unacceptable toxicity when administered as free agents. ADCs are currently being developed for the treatment of a wide variety of tumors. In this review, the current clinical and preclinical status of ADCs for the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and B-cell leukemia will be discussed. ADCs have the potential to alter treatment paradigms for these diseases by providing both increased efficacy and improved safety and tolerability over current chemotherapy-based regimens.