Calicheamicin is primarily used in the field of targeted cancer therapy. It is a potent antitumor antibiotic that is employed in the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). These ADCs are designed to deliver the cytotoxic effects of calicheamicin directly to cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. One notable application is in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Calicheamicin is conjugated to a monoclonal antibody that targets specific antigens present on leukemia cells. Once the antibody binds to the cancer cell, the conjugate is internalized, releasing calicheamicin, which then induces DNA double-strand breaks, leading to cell death. Additionally, calicheamicin has been explored in the treatment of other cancers, including certain types of lymphoma and solid tumors, where its high potency can be leveraged to effectively kill cancer cells. Its use in ADCs represents a significant advancement in the precision and efficacy of cancer treatments.