Beyond the hype: Antibody-Drug Conjugates are advancing faster than our clinical strategy

PLoS Med. 2026 Jan 30;23(1):e1004930. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004930. eCollection 2026 Jan.

Abstract

Antibody-drug conjugates are redefining treatment options in advanced breast cancer, demonstrating efficacy across all breast cancer subtypes. However, their rapid clinical expansion has resulted in several unresolved challenges, including the need for rational sequencing strategies, appropriate and ethical trial design, drug tolerability, and the limitation of mono-national development programs.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological* / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological* / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoconjugates* / adverse effects
  • Immunoconjugates* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Immunoconjugates
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Antineoplastic Agents