Strategies and challenges for the next generation of antibody–drug conjugates

Antibody–drug conjugate (ADCs), which aim to target highly cytotoxic drugs specifically to cancer cells, are one of the fastest growing classes of anticancer therapeutics, with more than 50 such agents currently in clinical trials. This Review discusses lessons learned and emerging strategies in the development of ADCs, including aspects such as target selection, the development of warheads, the optimization of linkers and new conjugation chemistries, and provides an overview of agents that are currently in clinical trials.