Antibody-drug conjugates in clinical trials

Often shortened to ADCs, these medicines join an antibody to a cancer-killing payload through a chemical linker. The antibody recognises a chosen marker on tumour cells, helping deliver the payload to those cells. Effects can still occur in healthy tissues, so trial teams monitor participants closely.

Each ADC is designed around a particular target, linker and payload. Eligibility may depend on the cancer type, the amount or pattern of target expression, previous treatments, organ function and current health. Tumour testing may therefore be needed before enrolment. ADC trials may be available for cancers such as breast cancer, lung cancer or glioblastoma, but a cancer name alone does not establish eligibility.

A trial protocol defines how treatment is given, which visits and scans are required, what safety checks occur and when treatment must pause or stop. Early-phase trials may focus heavily on dose and side effects, while later phases may compare the ADC with another care option. The consent discussion should explain the purpose and the alternatives available outside the trial.

Ask your oncology team whether tumour testing shows the marker required for the ADC and whether your treatment history fits the eligibility criteria. Bring an up-to-date medicine list and details of heart, lung, liver, eye or nerve problems, because these may affect safety checks or suitability. Mention pregnancy, breastfeeding or plans for pregnancy before screening.

Read the consent information before deciding. Clarify the visit schedule, infusion process, blood tests, scans, biopsies, contraception requirements, travel demands, possible interactions and who provides urgent advice. Participation is voluntary; declining or leaving a trial should prompt a discussion of the other treatment and supportive-care options available to you.

Follow the trial team's emergency instructions. Contact them urgently for fever, shaking chills, new or worsening breathlessness, chest pain, persistent cough, fainting, facial or throat swelling, widespread rash, unusual bleeding, severe diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or a sudden change in vision. Severe breathing difficulty or collapse requires emergency services.

Ask which tumour marker the ADC targets, what phase the trial is in, whether treatment is randomised, what care the comparison group receives, which side effects are especially relevant to this medicine, what extra procedures are required, and what happens if the cancer grows or toxicity forces treatment to stop.