Antibody–Drug Conjugates | Apollo Hospitals

What are
Antibody–Drug Conjugates

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are one of the most exciting advancements in precision oncology. These sophisticated therapies combine the targeting ability of monoclonal antibodies with the cancer-killing power of cytotoxic drugs. By delivering chemotherapy directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, ADCs offer a new level of precision.

At Apollo Athenaa, ADCs are used as part of advanced and personalized treatment plans, especially in cases where traditional therapies have limited effectiveness or are poorly tolerated.

How the
Treatment Works

At Apollo Athenaa, by combining the accuracy of targeted antibodies with the potency of chemotherapy drugs, our oncologists use ADCs to achieve deeper tumor control.

ADCs are composed of three components:

Monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to a target protein on the cancer cell surface
Cytotoxic payload, a highly potent chemotherapy drug
Linker, which connects the antibody and the drug and controls release

Once the ADC binds to the cancer cell, it is internalized. Inside the cell, the linker is broken down, releasing the cytotoxic drug directly into the tumor. This targeted delivery enhances effectiveness while minimizing systemic toxicity.

When Antibody–Drug Conjugates
Are Recommended

ADCs are typically used in the following clinical scenarios:

Resistant Disease

Advanced or metastatic cancers where previous treatments have failed or where the tumor has developed resistance to standard therapies.

HER2-Driven Cancers

HER2-positive and HER2-low breast cancers that benefit from targeted delivery of potent therapy through ADCs.

Triple-Negative Disease

Triple-negative breast cancer, particularly in patients who have already received chemotherapy and need more targeted options

Refractory Lymphomas

Relapsed or refractory lymphomas, including Hodgkin lymphoma, where ADCs help target specific surface markers on cancer cells.

Target-Specific Tumors

Cancers expressing actionable targets such as Trop-2, HER2, or CD30, allowing ADCs to deliver therapy directly to tumor cells.

Key
Advantages

Experience the benefits of advanced care tailored to your needs. At Athenaa, our approach ensures accuracy, comfort, and better outcomes at every step.

Targeted Precision

ADCs deliver potent therapy directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues, offering a more focused and tumour-specific treatment.

Better Tolerability

With reduced systemic exposure compared to traditional chemotherapy, ADCs often result in fewer and more manageable side effects.

Effective in Resistant Disease

ADCs provide meaningful options for cancers that have stopped responding to standard treatments and remain effective even in low-expression tumours such as HER2-low breast cancer.

Versatile Treatment Potential

ADCs can be used alone or combined with immunotherapy, endocrine therapy, or other targeted treatments to enhance overall therapeutic impact.

Side Effects Of
Antibody–Drug Conjugates

ADCs are generally better tolerated than conventional chemotherapy but may still cause side effects related to both the antibody and the cytotoxic drug.

Side effects include:

Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Hair thinning or loss
Low blood counts (anemia, neutropenia)
Diarrhoea or constipation
Infusion-related reactions
Interstitial lung disease (rarely)

At Apollo Athenaa, patients receiving ADCs are monitored closely for early signs of lung toxicity, blood count changes, and other adverse effects. Supportive medications and dose modifications are provided when needed, and our oncology team ensures side effects are identified and managed promptly.

Continuum of Care

At Apollo Athenaa, ADC therapy is part of a comprehensive precision oncology pathway, ensuring each patient receives the right therapies, at the right time, with the right support. Long-term follow-up focuses on:

Monitoring tumor response through imaging and tumor markers

Managing delayed side effects, especially lung toxicity or marrow suppression

Assessing eligibility for continued or combination therapy based on response

Providing survivorship support, especially in patients who achieve remission

Frequently Asked Questions

How is ADC treatment different from chemotherapy?

01

ADCs use a targeted antibody to deliver a potent drug directly to cancer cells, reducing exposure to healthy tissues. At Apollo Athenaa, biomarker testing helps determine whether your tumor can benefit from this precision approach.

Will I lose my hair during ADC therapy?

02

Hair loss varies depending on the specific ADC; some cause minimal changes, others more noticeable thinning. Athenaa’s supportive care team provides scalp cooling (where applicable) and personalized hair care guidance to minimize discomfort.

What tests do I need before starting ADC treatment?

03

Your cancer must express targets like HER2, Trop-2, or CD30. At Athenaa, advanced pathology review and molecular testing confirm eligibility with high accuracy.

Can ADCs work if my cancer has stopped responding to other treatments?

04

Yes. ADCs are often effective in resistant or previously treated cancers. Athenaa’s oncologists frequently use them when standard therapies have limited benefits.

How will my response to ADC therapy be monitored?

05

Your care team at Apollo Athenaa will conduct periodic scans, blood tests, and symptom assessments to track progress and adjust treatment as needed.

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Precision Tumor Targeting with Advanced ADC Therapyat Apollo Athenaa

Precision Tumor Targeting
with Advanced ADC Therapy
at Apollo Athenaa