Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are a major advancement in therapeutic oncology and hematology, capable of simultaneously engaging two distinct targets. This dual specificity enables precise immune modulation, enhanced tumor targeting, and the potential to overcome challenges such as tumor heterogeneity, immune evasion, and resistance to existing therapies. Over the past decade, BsAb formats such as T-cell engagers and dual-affinity retargeting molecules have shown promise in treating both hematological malignancies and solid tumors.
The development of bispecific antibody-drug conjugates (bispecific ADCs) has further expanded their therapeutic potential, combining dual-targeting precision with the delivery of cytotoxic payloads to improve efficacy while minimizing toxicity. These advancements rely on multidisciplinary efforts in molecular engineering, immunology, and clinical research. However, challenges including immunogenicity, off-target effects, and manufacturing complexities persist, requiring ongoing innovation and evaluation.
The goal of this Research Topic is to advance the understanding and application of BsAbs and bispecific ADCs in oncology and hematology by addressing the critical challenges that limit their full clinical potential. Despite significant progress in the development of BsAbs and bispecific ADCs, challenges such as tumor heterogeneity, resistance mechanisms, limited tumor penetration, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment continue to impede their widespread use. Furthermore, issues related to immunogenicity, pharmacokinetics, and manufacturing complexities pose significant hurdles to scalability and clinical translation.This Research Topic seeks to provide a platform for a multidisciplinary approach to these challenges by fostering collaboration between structural biologists, immunologists, chemical biologists, and clinical researchers. By examining recent innovations in molecular engineering, dual-targeting mechanisms, and combination strategies with other therapies, this collection aims to uncover solutions to optimize efficacy, safety, and accessibility.Ultimately, the goal is to gather evidence-based insights and foster innovation that will accelerate the development and clinical adoption of BsAbs and bispecific ADCs as transformative therapies for solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Through this collaborative effort, the Research Topic aspires to contribute to a new era of targeted and precision medicine in oncology and hematology.
This Research Topic explores the rapidly evolving field of BsAbs and bispecific ADCs, focusing on their development and clinical application. Contributors are encouraged to address:
• Advances in molecular engineering, including novel formats, platforms, and dual-targeting strategies.
• Mechanistic insights into dual antigen targeting, immune modulation, and tumor microenvironment interactions.
• Preclinical and clinical studies on efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity management.
• Approaches to address challenges such as tumor heterogeneity, limited tumor penetration, and resistance mechanisms.
• Combinatorial strategies with immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T therapies, or other modalities.
• Manufacturing, scalability, and regulatory considerations for clinical translation.
We welcome original research, reviews, clinical case studies, and opinion pieces offering new insights and advancing the field. Submissions should support innovation and collaboration to enhance the therapeutic potential of BsAbs and bispecific ADCs in oncology and hematology.
Keywords: Bispecific Antibodies, Antibody-drug conjugates, Solid tumors, Hematological malignancies, Emerging antibody technologies
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
