Antibody-drug conjugates in cancer therapy�filling in the potholes that lie ahead

Antibody-Drug Conjugates, composed of a cytotoxic drug conjugated to a tumour cell targeting antibody are being extensively studied and tested for the treatment of a variety of cancers. Antibody-Drug Conjugate systems hold the promise of more selective drug therapy compared to traditional chemotherapy, with fewer side effects. These important advantages have stimulated exciting developments in various aspects of Antibody-Drug Conjugate technology. Although several AntibodyDrug Conjugates have now entered the clinic, a number of biological and technical pitfalls exist that will need to be overcome if AntibodyDrug Conjugates are to fulfil their full therapeutic potential. This paper will discuss the more important of these challenges.