DNA alkylator payloads

aka duocarmycins, seco-DUBA

DNA alkylator payloads chemically damage DNA regardless of whether the cell is dividing, and are aimed at slow-growing and resistant tumours.

Duocarmycin-type alkylators act independently of the cell cycle and are not cross-resistant with tubulin or topoisomerase payloads in preclinical models. Clinical translation has been slow; trastuzumab duocarmazine reached phase 3 but was not approved.