A winning combination in the war against deadly cancers: exploring new opportunities for combining antibody–drug conjugates and cancer immunotherapies

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), also known as magic bullets, have revolutionized cancer treatment. Due to their unprecedented growth and the approval of 12 ADCs – including seven new approvals by the US FDA in the last 2 years alone – this treatment modality has received a high level of funding from investors in the space. By combining the targeting power of antibodies with highly potent payloads, including cancer-destroying cytotoxic warheads or other immune modalities, ADCs represent an invaluable tool for cancer treatment. But after the significant challenges faced by previous generations, will next-generation ADCs become authentic magic bullets? And given their current safety profiles, how can they best be combined with immuno-oncology therapeutics? Rationale and innovative approaches for combination of ADCs and immunotherapy will be explored.