Development of antibody-drug conjugates in gastric cancer: an overview of clinical trials from 2005 to 2025

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as a novel class of therapeutics for gastric cancer. This study systematically analyzed 294 clinical trials of ADCs conducted from 2005 and April 2025, highlighting key trends, therapeutic advancements, current challenges and future directions in ADC development. The comprehensive analysis encompassed target antigens, linker and payload technologies, geographic distribution, sponsorship patterns, and emerging innovative strategies, offering valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, and pharmaceutical developers.