Brentuximab vedotin in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma patients
Abstract
Brentuximab vedotin is a chimeric anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody conjugated with microtubule inhibitor monomethyl aurinostat E. Results from a phase II study in relapsed or refractory Hodgkin´s lymphoma are very promising: overall response was 75% with 34% of complete responses.
In a phase II study in relapsed or refractory CD30-positive systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (72% of patients were ALK negative), overall response was 86% with complete response in 57%. Recommended dosing is 1.8 mg/kg i.v. repeated every 3 weeks up to a maximum of 16 cycles.
Ongoiong trials in first line, as well as before or after autologous stem cell transplantation in relapsed patients may establish the optimal role of this drug in lymphoma patients. Brentuximab vedotin may become a new milestone in the treatment of relapsed or refractory Hodgkin´s lymphoma and CD30-positive non-Hodgkin´s lymphoma patients.