Navigating the Landscape of Antibody Drug Conjugates: Current Trends and Future Research Prospects in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis and high relapse rates, especially in high-risk patients and older adults. Conventional treatment modalities confer limited benefit, specifically in relapsed and refractory cases. Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are a rapidly advancing treatment option that provides a novel approach to treating AML. The design and mechanistic aspects of ADCs have also been discussed. ADCs combine cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs with the specificity of monoclonal antibodies. This review primarily focuses on the current role of ADCs in the treatment of AML, including approved agents such as gemtuzumab ozogamicin, as well as others. Moreover, challenges associated with the use of ADCs have been explored, including resistance mechanisms, drug stability, immunogenicity, and cost. This review also highlights and summarizes various ongoing and completed clinical trials, which may provide insight into this treatment approach. Future advancements in AML treatment, including the use of nanoparticles or nanostructures, have also been discussed. In conclusion, this comprehensive review sheds light on the current and prospective future directions of ADCs in the treatment of AML, highlighting their potential to significantly alter the therapeutic landscape for this cancer.