NCIt definition : An antibody drug conjugate (ADC) containing the fully human IgG2k monoclonal antibody
targeting an epitope of SLC44A4 (AGS-5) linked, via a valine-citrulline (vc) maleimidocaproyl
(mc) linker, to the antimicrotubulin drug monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), with potential
antineoplastic activity. The monoclonal antibody moiety of ASG-5ME selectively binds
to AGS-5. After internalization and proteolytic cleavage, MMAE binds to tubulin and
inhibits its polymerization, which results in G2/M phase arrest and tumor cell apoptosis.
SLC44A4, potentially a sodium-dependent transmembrane transport protein, is overexpressed
on more than 80 percent of samples derived from patients with pancreatic, prostate
and gastric cancers.;
See also inter- (CISMeF)