Maytansinoids in Cancer Therapy: Advancements in Antibody-drug Conjugates and Nanotechnology-enhanced Drug Delivery Systems

Overview

Journal Discov Oncol

Publisher Springer

Date 2025 Jan 21

PMID 39838217

Authors

Matteo Perra

Ines Castangia

Matteo Aroffu

Federica Fulgheri

Rita Abi-Rached

Maria Letizia Manca

Hernan Cortes

Maria Luisa Del Prado-Audelo

Carla Nomura-Contreras

Alejandra Romero-Montero

Dietrich Busselberg

Gerardo Leyva-Gomez

Javad Sharifi-Rad

Daniela Calina

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally, driving the need for innovative therapies. Among natural compounds, maytansinoids have shown significant promise, contributing to nearly 25% of recently approved anticancer drugs. Despite their potential, early clinical trials faced challenges due to severe side effects, prompting advancements in delivery systems such as antibody-maytansinoid conjugates (AMCs). This review highlights the anticancer activity of maytansinoids, with a focus on AMCs designed to target cancer cells specifically. Preclinical and clinical studies show that AMCs, including FDA-approved drugs like Kadcyla and Elahere, effectively inhibit tumor growth while reducing systemic toxicity. Key developments include improved synthesis methods, linker chemistry and payload design. Ongoing research aims to enhance the safety and efficacy of AMCs, integrate nanotechnology for drug delivery, and identify novel therapeutic targets. These advancements hold potential to transform maytansinoid-based cancer treatments in the future.

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