Self-Study 2025 Release II: Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) in Solid Tumors

Targeted therapies have transformed the landscape of cancer treatment with one of the most promising advancements being the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). An ADC consists of a monoclonal antibody attached to a cytotoxic agent (payload) via a linker, with efficacy and toxicity profiles largely determined by the roles and interactions of these components. As of January 2025, seven ADCs have been FDA-approved for the treatment of solid tumors, with more under evaluation in the clinical pipeline. This module will provide an overview of ADCs structure, including monoclonal antibody, linker, and cytotoxic agent, while also briefly discussing key factors that impact ADC toxicity profiles. It will review clinical data on approved ADC indications, with a focus on the safety and efficacy of the recently approved Datopotamab deruxtecan for breast cancer. Additionally, it will discuss mechanisms of toxicities and strategies for preventing, monitoring, and managing these in clinical practice.