New Cancer Drug Data to Be Presented at ESMO Congress
The clinical trial results for a new ADC could offer future treatment options for patients with advanced cancers.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Cancer
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Merck and Kelun-Biotech are set to present new clinical data on their TROP2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), sac-TMT, at the ESMO Congress in October 2026. The findings offer insights for patients with advanced lung and endometrial cancers as the companies advance their collaboration.
Why it matters
Merck is investing heavily in ADCs to expand its oncology portfolio, utilizing technology designed to improve drug stability and reduce toxic side effects like anemia and neutropenia. This development is significant for the evolution of cancer treatments, as it moves toward more precise, targeted delivery of cytotoxic payloads to tumor cells.
In the OptiTROP-Lung04 trial, the sac-TMT drug demonstrated a 51% lower risk of disease progression or death compared to platinum chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients. The durability and clinical safety of this TROP2-targeted ADC remain under investigation.
The players
Merck
A pharmaceutical company developing cancer therapies, including the blockbuster drug Keytruda.
Kelun-Biotech
A Chinese biotechnology firm focusing on the development of antibody-drug conjugates.
The details
Sac-TMT is an antibody-drug conjugate that uses an irreversible linker to secure its cytotoxic payload. This mechanism is designed to prevent the chemotherapy from releasing prematurely while in the bloodstream, which is intended to minimize systemic toxicity. Once the antibody finds and binds to TROP2 proteins on tumor cells, the payload is delivered directly to the site to initiate cell destruction.
Timeline
April 2020: FDA approved the first TROP2-directed ADC, Trodelvy.
December 2022: Merck and Kelun-Biotech signed a collaboration agreement.
October 2025: Kelun reported the OptiTROP-Lung04 trial met its primary endpoint.
July 2026: OptiTROP-Lung06 trial results were read out.
October 2026: ESMO Congress presentation of sac-TMT data takes place.
Health Landscape
The development of TROP2-directed antibody-drug conjugates marks a significant shift in oncology, building on the precedent set by the 2020 FDA approval of Trodelvy. Merck's current pipeline expansion reflects an industry-wide effort to establish new standards in targeted tumor treatment.
These findings are strictly preliminary and specific to clinical trial populations; they do not currently change existing cancer treatment plans. Patients interested in how these emerging therapies might relate to their specific cancer diagnosis should discuss the latest clinical data with their oncologist.
The takeaway
The development of more stable antibody-drug conjugates aims to improve how chemotherapy is delivered directly to tumors while sparing healthy cells. Patients and caregivers should remain informed about evolving oncology standards by following major clinical updates presented at professional conferences.
Further reading
For more on the current research landscape, visit our Cancer coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pharma.
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