A DNA-Interacting Payload Designed to Eliminate Cross-Linking Improves the Therapeutic Index of Antibody–Drug Conjugates (ADCs)

Tumor-selective delivery of cytotoxic agents in the form of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) is now a clinically validated approach for cancer treatment. In an attempt to improve the clinical success rate of ADCs, emphasis has been recently placed on the use of DNA–cross-linking pyrrolobenzodiazepine compounds as the payload. Despite promising early clinical results with this class of ADCs, doses achievable have been low due to systemic toxicity....