Work

Targeting Biliary Tract Cancers with Antibody–Drug Conjugates: Advances in Molecular Targets and Rational Combinations

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), an emerging targeted treatment method, are designed to couple the tumor selectivity of monoclonal antibodies with the cytotoxic potency of small-molecule payloads, thereby offering an accurate approach for biliary tract cancers (BTCs). BTC is characterized by typical molecular heterogeneity, a desmoplastic stroma, and an immune-suppressive microenvironment, which together limit the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy and weaken responses to immunotherapy in unselected patients. The demand for drugs that can improve the survival rate of BTC patients has not yet been met. The evaluation of ADC therapy for BTC has become a focus of extensive clinical and preclinical research, and encouraging preliminary results have been achieved. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the increasing body of evidence regarding the application of ADCs in BTC relative trials. Starting with a brief discussion of the functional principles of ADCs, we summarize the trials of different designs of ADCs in BTC, as well as the relevant clinical data related to ADC-based combination therapy regimens.

Source: Cancers

DOI: 10.3390/cancers18040600

Authors: Yulin Chen, Chidan Wan, Chen Shi, Xiong Cai

Institution: Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Cholangiocarcinoma and Gallbladder Cancer Studies

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499