Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are targeted cancer medicines that combine a monoclonal antibody with a cytotoxic drug. The antibody is designed to recognise a specific protein, or antigen, found on cancer cells, while the attached drug damages or destroys those cells.
By concentrating a potent medicine in cells that express the selected target, ADCs can provide a more focused approach than conventional chemotherapy. However, they may still affect healthy cells and cause significant treatment-specific side effects.
At Apollo Cancer Centres, oncologists use pathology, biomarker testing and the patient’s clinical profile to determine whether an ADC is appropriate. Treatment decisions consider the cancer type and stage, level of target expression, previous treatments, overall health and available clinical evidence.
Why ADCs Are Required
Cancers with a Relevant Target: Used when testing confirms that cancer cells express an antigen targeted by an available ADC, such as HER2, TROP-2 or CD30.
Previously Treated Cancer: May provide an additional option when cancer progresses during or after other treatments.
Advanced or Metastatic Cancer: Used in selected cancers that have spread beyond their original site and carry an appropriate biomarker.
HER2-expressing Cancers: Certain ADCs may be considered for eligible patients with HER2-positive, HER2-low, HER2-ultralow or HER2-mutated cancers, depending on the cancer type and approved indication.
Selected Blood Cancers: ADCs targeting markers such as CD30, CD22 or CD79b may be used for particular lymphomas or leukaemias.
Other Target-specific Cancers: Depending on the approved medicine and treatment setting, ADCs may be used in selected breast, lung, gastric, gastro-oesophageal, urothelial and other cancers.
Combination Treatment: Some ADCs may be combined with immunotherapy or other systemic treatments when supported by clinical evidence.
Key Advantages
Side Effects of Antibody–Drug Conjugates
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Reduced appetite
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Low red blood cell, white blood cell or platelet counts
- Increased risk of infection
- Infusion-related reactions
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Liver function changes
- Eye-related effects with certain ADCs
- Heart-related effects with certain HER2-directed ADCs
- Interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis with certain medicines
Continuum of Care
At Apollo Cancer Centres, ADC treatment begins with a detailed pathology and biomarker assessment to determine whether the cancer carries a target associated with an available therapy. The oncology team evaluates these findings alongside the cancer type and stage, previous treatments, organ function and overall health.
Before treatment, patients receive information about the infusion schedule, expected monitoring and medicine-specific side effects. During therapy, regular consultations, blood tests and imaging help assess safety and response. Additional cardiac, respiratory, neurological or eye monitoring may be arranged when required for the prescribed ADC. If side effects develop or the cancer changes, the treatment plan is reviewed and adjusted accordingly.
