Phase 1 study of PSMA ADC, an antibody‐drug conjugate targeting prostate‐specific membrane antigen, in chemotherapy‐refractory prostate cancer

Background

Prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a well‐characterized target that is overexpressed selectively on prostate cancer cells. PSMA antibody‐drug conjugate (ADC) is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody conjugated to the microtubule disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), which is designed to specifically bind PSMA‐positive cells, internalize, and then release its cytotoxic payload into the cells. PSMA ADC has demonstrated potent and selective antitumor activity in preclinical models of advanced prostate cancer. A Phase 1 study was conducted to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor effects of PSMA ADC in subjects with treatment‐refractory prostate cancer.