 Abstract antibody drug conjugates, ADCs, are composed of a monoclonal antibody, MAB, linked to a cytotoxic drug through a chemical linker. They combine the advantages of highly specific targeting and hypotency, making them effective against cancer cells. Since the first ADC, Milotard registered trademark symbol, gemtazumab ozogamacin, was approved in 2000 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, more than 15 ADCs have been developed and tested in clinical trials. Additionally, over 100 ADC candidates are currently being investigated. These ADCs represent a new era of targeted cancer therapies, referred to as biological missiles. In this review, we summarise the history and general mechanism of action of ADCs, as well as the molecular aspects of key components of ADCs and how they affect their activity. We also discussed the approved ADCs and other promising candidates in phase, three clinical trials, providing insight into the development of next-generation ADCs. This article was authored by Duan Fu, Shijun Li, Sifei Han, and others.