Histology-agnostic approvals for antibody-drug conjugates in solid tumours: is the time ripe?

Eur J Cancer. 2022 Aug:171:25-42. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.04.039. Epub 2022 Jun 11.

Abstract

Several antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have been recently approved to treat solid tumours. Since ADCs seem to have activity in multiple malignancies sharing the expression of a specific antigen, they may be mirroring the experience of histology-agnostic-targeted treatments. So, the possibility to interpret the activity of some ADCs across different cancer types in a biomarker-driven perspective arises. However, relevant biological, methodological, and regulatory challenges should be highlighted and addressed, in order to grant ADCs biomarker-driven regulatory approvals in the next future. In this review, we discuss challenges and opportunities posed by the pan-histological expansion of ADCs in solid tumours. In particular, we provide an overview about technological and manufacturing advancements; we offer up-to-date highlights of the current evidence from clinical trials investigating ADCs in solid tumours; we discuss the need for the identification of optimal predictive biomarkers, as well as major methodological, statistical, and regulatory considerations for a biomarker-driven histology-agnostic approach.

Keywords: ADC; Clinical trials; Drug development; Drug discovery; Histology-agnostic; Regulatory.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers
  • Humans
  • Immunoconjugates* / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasms* / therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • Immunoconjugates