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Research and new methods

Antibody–drug conjugates: medicine delivered to the target

An antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) is an antibody that recognises a marker on the leukaemia cell surface, linked to a powerful medicine. It delivers the medicine straight into the cell.

Last updated: ~1 min read
3D surface model of a Y-shaped IgG antibody
Figure 1.An antibody (IgG) — the Y-shaped carrier of a conjugate

01Short answer

The antibody finds the address (for example CD33 or CD22), enters the cell and releases the medicine inside. This aims to reduce the effect on surrounding healthy tissue, but side effects still occur: lower blood counts, infusion reactions and sometimes liver problems (including veno-occlusive disease). ADCs are used in some cases of AML and ALL, and new ones are in trials. Whether one is suitable depends on the marker being present on the cells.

02Simple explanation

Antibody plus medicine.

Targeted delivery.

The marker is tested.

Side effects: yes.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: an antibody–drug conjugate is a monoclonal antibody that binds cancer cells, joined to a medicine.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

CD markers

Proteins on the cell surface.

Docking
Figure 2.Docking — Antibody–drug conjugates: medicine delivered to the target

Veno-occlusive disease

Blockage of the small veins of the liver.

Inside
Figure 3.Inside — Antibody–drug conjugates: medicine delivered to the target

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
CD markersProteins on the cell surface.
Veno-occlusive diseaseBlockage of the small veins of the liver.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

ADC
Antibody–drug conjugate.
Monoclonal antibody
A laboratory antibody against one target.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Test.
  • Deliver.
  • Monitor.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Is this chemotherapy?

It contains a chemotherapy-type medicine, but delivered to a target.

Why is my liver checked?

Some ADCs can affect the liver.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is this chemotherapy?

  2. Why is my liver checked?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: antibody-drug conjugate
  2. National Cancer Institute. Monoclonal Antibodies
  3. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  4. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  5. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Drug Review Process (continued)
  7. European Medicines Agency. Clinical trials in human medicines
  8. National Cancer Institute. Informed Consent in Clinical Trials
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: clinical trial
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Paying for Clinical Trials
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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