Trials of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) in combination with other anticancer therapies are ongoing. a | Antiangiogenic agents, such as those targeting the VEGF signalling pathway, might modify tumour vasculature in a way that improves ADC delivery to tumour tissues or enhances the cytotoxic effects of ADCs. b | Drugs that increase the cell-surface expression of the target antigen on tumour cells might promote antibody–antigen engagement. Alternatively, drugs that augment antigen turnover or degradation might promote ADC uptake and payload cleavage and release, thereby enhancing cytotoxicity. c | Payload activity can be potentiated with other agents that act synergistically through complementary mechanisms or synthetic lethality. d | Immunotherapies have the potential to build on the antitumour immunity induced by ADCs, either by enhancing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or by augmenting cell-mediated tumour recognition and immune effector function. NK, natural killer.