Berlin, Germany – October 20, 2025 - Breakthroughs presented at the annual congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) this weekend offer renewed optimism for patients with early-stage breast and bladder cancers. Three international clinical trials revealed promising results using a new class of drugs called “conjugated antibodies,” previously reserved for advanced, metastatic cancers.
The ESMO congress,running until October 21st in Berlin and attracting nearly 30,000 participants,is now considered a peer to the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting.Professor Fabrice André, medical oncologist, president of ESMO, and director of research at the Gustave-Roussy Institute in Villejuif (Val-de-Marne), highlighted the advancements.
These innovative drugs are a product of biotechnological engineering, combining an antibody with a cell-toxic chemotherapy agent. The antibody functions as a “homing missile,” specifically targeting tumor cells by attaching to receptor molecules abundant on their surface. Once attached, the antibody delivers the cytotoxic compound directly into the cancer cells, increasing both efficiency and specificity.
The trials, presented on Saturday, October 18th, suggest the potential to improve cure rates for patients diagnosed with localized cancers, marking a significant shift in treatment possibilities.
