The ever-expanding landscape of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in solid tumors: A systematic review

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2023 Dec:192:104189. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104189. Epub 2023 Oct 21.

Abstract

Background: The advent of targeted therapies signaled novel avenues for more optimal oncological outcomes. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have risen as a cornerstone of the ever-expanding targeted therapy era. The purpose of this systematic review is to delineate the rapidly evolving clinical landscape of ADCs for solid tumors.

Methods: A literature search was performed in Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases for phase II and III clinical trials. Outcomes of interest were the objective response rate, overall survival, progression-free survival and adverse events.

Results: A total of 92 clinical trials (76 phase II and 16 phase III) evaluated the efficacy and safety of ADCs for a plethora of solid tumors. Out of the 30 investigated ADCs, 8 have received approval by regulatory organizations for solid tumors. Currently, 52 phase III clinical trials for ADCs are ongoing.

Conclusion: ADCs have shown promising results for several solid tumors and various cancer settings.

Keywords: ADCs; Antibody-drug conjugate; Phase II; Phase III; Solid tumors; Targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

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

Substances

  • Immunoconjugates
  • Antineoplastic Agents