Advancements in antibody-drug conjugates as cancer therapeutics

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a promising approach in targeted cancer therapy, combining the targeted precision of antibodies with the potency of cytotoxic payloads to selectively target tumour cell whilst minimising off-target effects. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of ADCs, encompassing their structural components, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications. It also examines recent technological advancements, particularly in antibody engineering and linker design, aimed at enhancing therapeutic efficacy and safety. The current clinical landscape is outlined, highlighting approved ADCs and promising candidates in clinical trials, while also addressing key challenges such as stability, half-life, and systemic toxicity. This review is based on an extensive literature survey from major databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, with a focus on keywords like “antibody-drug conjugates”, “ADC advancements”, and “next-generation ADC technologies”. By integrating insights from both preclinical and clinical perspectives, we highlight the transformative potential of ADCs in advancing modern cancer therapy.