Chemotherapy is still considered to be one of the effective ways that can be used to fight cancer. But sometimes, it can affect your other healthy cells while fighting cancer cells, causing side effects that can be a little difficult to manage. This is where antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) can come in as a cure. These newer forms of targeted therapy can deliver anti-cancer drugs directly into your cancer cells, making it a more personalized approach.
What are antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)
Antibody-drug conjugates, or ADCs, are a form of targeted cancer therapy that usually combines two approaches in one treatment. The antibodies here are made in a laboratory and are designed in a way to recognize the markers on cancer cells. After recognizing these cancer cells, the antibodies guide the medicine directly into the cancer cells, without harming any healthy tissue.
How does it actually work?
ADCs work by combining precision medicine and chemotherapy into one treatment. In the beginning, the antibody identifies and attaches the drug to the specific protein found on the cancer cell. Once this drug is attached to the cancer cell, the ADC is absorbed into it, where it releases the anti-cancer drug. This drug can then destroy the entire cancer cell from within and reduce harm to other healthy cells. This way, it can improve the effectiveness of the treatment more than any other traditional therapy.
Which cancers can be treated with ADCs?
Antibody-drug conjugates can be used for several types of cancer:
Breast cancers, including HER2-positive
Bladder cancer
Cervical cancer
Blood cancer, like Hodgkin lymphoma
Benefits and possible side effects
Benefits:
Delivers treatment directly to cancer cells.
Reduces negative impact on other healthy cells
Improves disease control better than traditional therapies
Side effects:
Fatigue or weakness after treatment
Nausea and appetite loss
Low blood cell count
Thinning of hair
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
Future of ADCs
ADCs are slowly gaining recognition in the medical field. According to the research published by the National Library of Medicine in July 2023, new ADCs are in progress to target a wide range of cancers with even greater precision.
Fighting cancer precisely
ADCs are now making cancer treatment even more personalized. While it is still not considered a standard treatment, it is making treatment easier and more tolerable. If this continues like this, you can have better treatment outcomes and move ahead with your recovery without any worry.