With the continuous advancements in tumor immunotherapy, researchers are actively exploring new treatment methods. Peptide therapeutic cancer vaccines have garnered significant attention for their potential in improving patient outcomes. Despite its potential, only a single peptide-based cancer vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms and current development status is crucial for advancing these vaccines. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the production principles and therapeutic mechanisms of peptide-based cancer vaccines, highlights the commonly used peptide-based cancer vaccines, and examines the synergistic effects of combining these vaccines with immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. While some studies have yielded suboptimal results, the potential of combination therapies remains substantial. Additionally, we addressed the management and adverse events associated with peptide-based cancer vaccines, noting their relatively higher safety profile compared to traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Lastly, we also discussed the roles of adjuvants and targeted delivery systems in enhancing vaccine efficacy. In conclusion, this review comprehensively outlines the current landscape of peptide-based cancer vaccination and underscores its potential as a pivotal immunotherapy approach.

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a transformative class of targeted therapies designed to deliver potent cytotoxic agents specifically to tumor cells, minimizing systemic toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of ADCs, detailing their mechanisms of action, design strategies, and clinical advancements. ADCs utilize monoclonal antibodies to selectively bind tumor-associated antigens, enabling the precise delivery of toxic payloads to cancer cells. The review explores the critical components of ADCs, including the antibody, linker, and payload, and highlights how these elements can be optimized to improve efficacy and minimize off-target effects. We examine the evolution of ADC design from early constructs to the latest innovations and the development of novel payloads that extend therapeutic possibilities beyond traditional cytotoxic agents. Additionally, we discuss the clinical success of ADCs, with examples from approved therapies such as gemtuzumab ozogamicin, brentuximab vedotin, and trastuzumab emtansine, which have redefined the treatment landscape for various cancers. Despite their success, ADCs face challenges such as tumor heterogeneity, resistance mechanisms, and toxicity, which are actively being addressed through ongoing research. The review concludes with an outlook on the future of ADCs, highlighting emerging strategies in conjugation technology, payload design, and combination therapies that are poised to enhance their therapeutic potential across oncology and other disease areas.