How HCPs are reacting to novel antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs)

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are one of the fastest-evolving treatment classes in oncology. At CREATION.co, we track the online conversation of healthcare professionals (HCPs) on social media. In our recent analysis, over the past six months, we uncovered 2,657 social media posts by HCPs reacting to the latest approvals and data releases of new ADCs.

Key Insights:

1. HCPs welcomed the FDA’s approval of Dato-DXd.
2. HCPs reacted positively to HER3-DXd trial results.
3. HCPs remained cautious of Blenrep’s toxicities.
4. HCPs disseminated the latest data around Teliso-V.

Online HCP conversation around ADCs fluctuated over the past six months. In 2024, key oncology congresses, such as ESMO and SABCS, generated a lot of conversation around ADCs as HCPs disseminated the latest advancements in research and data. In January 2025, HCP conversation spiked again following the FDA’s approval of Dato-DXd.

AstraZeneca’s Dato-DXd received the most attention from HCPs. Dato-DXd was mentioned approximately four times more than HER3-DXd, which was the second most mentioned novel ADC. Other novel ADCs such as Blenrep and Teliso-V were also mentioned in the conversation.

HCPs welcomed the FDA’s approval of Dato-DXd

On January 17th, the FDA approved AstraZeneca’s datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) for the treatment of patients with pre-treated HR+/HER2– breast cancer. On X, 114 HCPs mentioned the approval in 186 posts. 

Oncologist, Tess O’Meara highlighted how the approval was ‘highly anticipated’ while recognising the need for biomarkers to help guide physicians on how to best sequence Dato-DXd. 

Additionally, prominent breast cancer Digital Opinion Leader, Paolo Tarantino posted a poll on X asking his peers how they plan to use Dato-DXd. The post garnered over 9,000 views and most who interacted with the poll suggested that they would incorporate Dato-DXd as a second-line treatment option, post T-DXd or sacituzumab govitecan. 

Dato-DXd is now approved for treating patients with HR+/HER2- MBC after prior ET and chemo.

In #TB01, Dato-DXd improved PFS over chemo in this population (6.9 vs 4.9 mo, HR 0.63, p<0.001).

How do you plan to use Dato-DXd for HR+/HER2- MBC, assuming immediate availability?

— Paolo Tarantino (@PTarantinoMD) January 17, 2025

HCPs, therefore, not only embraced the FDA’s approval of Dato-DXd, but were eager to incorporate Dato-DXd into their treatment regimens.

HCPs reacted positively to HER3-DXd trial results

Over the past six months, HCPs shared data from various trials involving HER3-DXd, an ADC co-developed by Daiichi Sankyo and Merck & Co. In the breast cancer space, HCPs discussed the results of ICARUS-BREAST01 presented at ESMO 2024. Medical oncologist, Amol Akhade, highlighted that the data was ‘encouraging’. Similarly, Paolo Tarantino drew attention to the ORR AND PFS benefits of HER3-DXd and regarded the activity of HER3-DXd as ‘pretty impressive’. Nonetheless, Tarantino called for ‘post-TDXd data’ to help position HER3-DXd in the treatment landscape, among other established ADCs.

@BarbaraPistill2 presents updated results from ICARUS-Breast ph 2 trial of HER3-DXd in HR+/HER2- MBC. ORR 53%, mPFS 9.4 months, no association with HER2 or HER3 expression. Pretty impressive activity. Post-TDXd data needed to clarify the role of HER3-DXd in MBC. #ESMOAmbassadors pic.twitter.com/3tNBzLZgmz

— Paolo Tarantino (@PTarantinoMD) September 13, 2024

In the non-small cell lung cancer space, HCPs reposted a press-release about the HERTHENA-Lung02 results highlighting the progression-free survival benefits of HER3-DXd, over second-line chemotherapy. Thoracic Medical Oncologist, Fawzi Abu Rous, considered the results ‘fantastic news for patients.’ Alongside Thoracic Precision Oncologist, Balazs Halmos, Fawzi Abu Rous expressed eagerness for the FDA to approve HER3-DXd. 

🚨Fantastic news for patients with #EGFR mut #NSCLC: Patritumab deruxtecan demonstrates PFS benefit over chemo in 2L after progression on osimertinib
One more exciting option for our patients, hoping for @FDAOncology approval soon!@EGFRResisters @OncoAlert @LungCancerRx #LCSM https://t.co/789DaIyrHY

— Fawzi Abu Rous, MD (@FawziAbuRous) September 17, 2024

HCPs remained cautious of Blenrep’s toxicities

In addition to Dato-DXd and HER3-DXd, HCPs also discussed the future of belantamab mafodotin (Blenrep), a novel ADC developed by GSK for the treatment of multiple myeloma. HCPs referred to toxicities in 30% of posts mentioning Blenrep. In particular, HCPs drew attention to toxicities such as blindness and keratopathy. 

I agree. In real world Blenrep not super practical. Will be a drug I would only use if can’t use the other options. I guess I would still use it over Selinexor. https://t.co/DpgHkLduaN

— Aaron Goodman – “Papa Heme” (@AaronGoodman33) August 2, 2024

#IMS24 GEM-BELA-VRD trial

Thoughts

➡️ Use of Blenrep upfront overall is not a good idea:

🛑High risk of mortality related to infections +AEs (eye toxicity)

🛑No QoL collected per presentation (likely worse QoL with eye toxicity)

End 🧵 pic.twitter.com/7vnQEhOZSJ

— Samer Al Hadidi, MD,MS,FACP (@HadidiSamer) September 26, 2024

Due to these toxicities, HCPs such as hematologist Aaron Goodman and hematologist-oncologist Samer Al Hadidi expressed caution towards using Blenrep. With HCPs caring about the quality of life of their patients, Blenrep does not currently appear to be the preferred treatment option for patients with multiple myeloma. 

That being said, some HCPs shared and reacted to a poll by Multiple Myeloma Hub about which dose they would choose to balance the efficacy benefits of Blenrep while managing its toxicities. Over half of those who voted opted for the dose of 1.9 mg/kg once every eight weeks. Additionally, 3 HCPs shared a post by the Multiple Myeloma Hub which stated that “further investigation of belantamab mafodotin in combination with other therapies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of longer dosing intervals.” This desire for more data into how different dosing schedules affect the efficacy and toxicities of Blenrep suggest that HCPs are open to understand how Blenrep’s toxicities can be managed while maximising its effectiveness.

HCPs disseminated the latest data around Teliso-V

Compared to other ADCs such as Dato-DXd, AbbVie’s investigational ADC, telisotuzumab vedotin (Teliso-V) received less attention from HCPs. In 28 posts, HCPs shared data from a phase 1b trial involving Teliso-V in combination with osimertinib. Here, HCPs frequently included the link to the Annals of Oncology publication in their posts. Additionally, in 8 posts, HCPs discussed the results of LUMINOSITY, a phase 2 Teliso-V trial. 

HCPs were predominantly neutral when disseminating the latest data on the use of Teliso-V in treating non-small cell lung cancer. A handful of HCPs did however react to the data releases. For example, medical oncologist, Elvina Almuradova, reacted positively to the results of the phase 1b trial and noted that ‘ADCs are the future for osimertinib-resistant NSCLC!’ Additionally, medical oncologist Giuseppe Banna stated that the ‘Phase II LUMINOSITY trial shows promising results for Telisotuzumab Vedotin’. 

Breaking News from @Annals_Oncology ! Targeting c-MET overexpression is reshaping EGFR-mutant NSCLC treatment!
💡 Teliso-V + Osimertinib combo:
50% ORR and 7.4 months PFS
📈 ADCs are the future for osimertinib-resistant NSCLC!#LungCancer @OncoReporte @OncoDailyIO pic.twitter.com/ic7yq5P1GU

— Elvina Almuradova (@Dr_ElvinaA) January 23, 2025

The Phase II LUMINOSITY trial shows promising results for Telisotuzumab Vedotin in treating c-Met protein–overexpressing advanced NSCLC, especially in patients with high c-Met expression. @JCO_ASCO #LungCancer #OncologyResearch https://t.co/XflzdhXFlf pic.twitter.com/ZT6MVYVF1N

— Giuseppe Banna (@gbanna74) August 25, 2024

In summary, novel ADCs sparked a lot of conversation among HCPs. With HCPs anticipating a new wave of ADCs to be approved, HCP frequently shared and reacted to the latest ADC trial results. While discussing the promising future of ADCs in oncology, medical oncologist Yüksel Ürün aptly stated that ‘advancing ADC therapies requires focus on toxicity, biomarkers, and sequencing strategies.’ Our analysis reveals that this sentiment is also shared widely among other HCPs too.

In discussions around Dato-DXd and HER3-Dxd, HCPs desired further research, particularly into biomarkers, to help guide their treatment sequencing decisions. In conversations around Blenrep, HCPs expressed caution about toxicities and called for more data into different dosing regimens to navigate how to best manage toxicities while maximising its efficacy. Furthermore, in discussions around Teliso-V, ADCs were considered the future for treating patients previously resistant to treatment. With HCPs hopeful for more ADCs to be approved, it is clear that these novel ADCs will have a pivotal role in the future of oncology.

Tracking the online conversation of HCPs is key to understanding what your prescribers think about your new therapy. By gaining a thorough understanding of the landscape into which you are launching, pharma companies can maximise the success of their launch.

CREATION.co serves pharmaceutical companies launching products by listening to the online voice of HCPs, identifying HCP Digital Opinion Leaders, and insights-led strategic consulting. To discover how we can support your launch, get in touch.