How does tisotumab work (mechanism of action)?
Tisotumab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). It targets tissue factor (TF) on tumor cells using a monoclonal antibody. After binding, the complex is internalized into the cell, where the attached payload is released to damage tumor cells and trigger cell death [1].
What is the drug’s target, and why tissue factor?
Tisotumab vedotin binds tissue factor, a protein that is commonly expressed on many tumor types and is involved in processes linked to cancer growth and progression [1]. By directing the ADC to TF-positive cells, the therapy aims to concentrate cytotoxic drug delivery where the target is present.
What happens after binding (ADC steps in plain terms)?
The key steps are: (1) the antibody portion recognizes and binds TF on the cell surface, (2) the ADC is taken into the cell through internalization, and (3) the drug payload is released inside the cell to exert cytotoxic effects [1].
Is tisotumab an immunotherapy or a chemotherapy?
It is not a checkpoint immunotherapy. The cytotoxic effect comes from the ADC payload delivered to TF-expressing cells rather than from immune checkpoint modulation [1].
What cancers use this mechanism?
Tisotumab vedotin is used in cancers where the therapy’s target, tissue factor, is present, including certain tumors such as cervical cancer [1].
Sources
[1] https://www.drugs.com/tisotumab-vedotin.html