The effects of brentuximab vedotin in patients with unresponsive Hodgkin Lymphoma

This study investigated the effects of brentuximab vedotin in patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma after stem cell transplant. Brentuximab vedotin appeared to be effective and safe for these patients.

Many patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are cured by standard therapies. However, some patients lose response over time (relapsed). Others do not respond to therapy at all (refractory). Patients who are relapsed/refractory (R/R) may receive a stem-cell transplant. Stem-cell transplant involves the transfer of stem cells to the patient. Before stem-cell transplant, patients will also receive medication. Brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) is commonly used before stem cell transplant. Brentuximab vedotin is a targeted therapy. This means that it kills only tumor cells. Associated side effects include neutropenia (decreased white blood cell levels). Anemia (decreased red blood cell levels) and peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain) are also common. It is important to research the effectiveness and safety of brentuximab vedotin before stem-cell transplant in patients with R/R HL.

Seventy patients with R/R HL were included in this study. All patients received brentuximab vedotin. Sixty-four percent of patients received BV before stem-cell transplant. Thirty-six percent of patients could not receive stem-cell transplant. These patients were treated with brentuximab vedotin alone.

Overall, 59% of patients responded. On average, 75% of patients who received brentuximab vedotin alone responded.  In patients who also received stem-cell transplant, 62% responded. Patients responded for an average 17 months without the HL getting worse. Fifty-percent of patients treated with brentuximab vedotin experienced peripheral neuropathy. Twelve percent developed anemia.

This study suggested that brentuximab vedotin is a safe and effective therapy for patients with R/R HL before stem-cell transplant.

This study included only a small group of patients. Therefore, the results may not represent a larger group of patients with HL.

If you have questions about managing HL, please ask your doctor.