Strategies of tumor-specific targeting based on the antigenic tumor specificities and the tumor microenvironment characteristics

Abstract

Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based immunotherapy is booming in oncology. In 2020, more than 40% of FDA (Food and Drug Administration)- approved antibodies (34 out of 84 antibodies, according to The Antibody Society) have an indication for cancer therapy. In contrast to standard chemotherapy, they demonstrate a much better safety profile for patients. Despite this, adverse side effects may occur due to the targeting of the antigen also expressed by healthy tissues. For this reason, emerging strategies aim at optimizing the antibody format and considering the particularities of the tumor microenvironment to confer a more specific action of the antibody at the tumor site.