Five-year follow-up of brentuximab vedotin combined with ABVD or AVD for advanced-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma

Current Multidisciplinary Lymphoma and Myeloma Management for Surgeons

Although there are more than 100 clinically distinct lymphoid neoplasms with varied prognoses and treatment approaches, they generally share high sensitivity to glucocorticoids, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and radiation. The disease control rates for lymphoid malignancies are higher than many solid tumors, and many are curable even when presenting with extensive involvement. Novel targeted therapies have improved disease control and cure rates for nearly all subtypes of lymphoid neoplasms. Surgical oncologists will primarily be involved in obtaining biopsies of sufficient quality to allow accurate diagnosis. However, there are scenarios in which surgical intervention may be necessary to address an oncologic emergency.

Rate and characteristics of inflammatory neuropathies associated with brentuximab vedotin therapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Peripheral neuropathy is a frequent complication of brentuximab vedotin (BV), used in CD30+ lymphoma treatment. Classic BV-induced neuropathy (BV-CN) is a mild distal sensory axonal polyneuropathy. Severe BV-induced inflammatory neuropathies (BV-IN) have been described. BV-IN contribute to lymphoma-associated morbidity but might be immunotherapy-responsive. Our primary objective was to evaluate the rate of BV-IN. Our secondary objectives were to determine risk factors and warning signs.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study on all patients treated with BV at our center between April 2014 and September 2021. Clinical, biological, and electrophysiological data were collected. BV-induced neuropathy was defined as the occurrence of neuropathy up to 3 months after BV discontinuation. BV-IN was defined with criteria adapted from European Academy of Neurology/Peripheral Nerve Society 2021 electrodiagnostic criteria for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Other neuropathies were classified as BV-CN.

RESULTS

Among 83 patients, 41 (49%) developed neuropathy: 35 BV-CN and 6 BV-IN. Thus, the rate of BV-IN was 7.2%. Compared to patients with BV-CN, no predisposing factor was identified. However, patients with BV-IN more frequently presented muscle weakness (67% vs. 5.7%, p < 0.05), gait disorders (83% vs. 20%, p < 0.05), or acute or subacute onset (67% vs. 14%, p < 0.05). BV-IN was frequently more severe (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade ≥3; 50% vs. 0%, p < 0.05). Four patients were treated with immunotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Brentuximab vedotin-induced neuropathy is an overlooked complication. Based on four easily identifiable "red flags", we provide an algorithm to help non-neurologist physicians that care for BV-treated patients to detect BV-IN. The aim of the algorithm is to decrease the diagnostic and management delay of this disabling neuropathy.

Invited commentary on "The impact of bleomycin deficit on survival in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients: A retrospective study"

The article "The impact of bleomycin deficit on survival in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients: A retrospective study" have presented the experience of AVD chemotherapy regimen in newly diagnosed Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) in a single center in Brazil. Though being a small retrospective study, results from this study have provided the medical community a real-world data on HL in Brazil. ABVD has remained the standard of care for patients of newly diagnosed HL both in early and advance stages. Newer targeted molecules have also come for use in novel combinations with existing drugs. However, in a situation of temporary scarcity of bleomycin due to lack of supply during 2017 in Brazil led to use of incomplete ABVD regimen without bleomycin, i.e. AVD for HL. However, Soldi et al. utilized the opportunity to retrospectively study if the omission of bleomycin leads to subnormal treatment or unwarranted effects.

Does discontinuing bleomycin due to toxicity increase the risk of lymphoma progression? Real-life data from a homogeneous population of advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is often curable with ABVD therapy and improving outcomes is a main goal of ongoing research. Bleomycin-associated pneumonitis (BAPT) is a potentially life-threatening complication that necessitates bleomycin discontinuation. We conducted this study on a homogenous cohort of advanced stage HL treated only with ABVD for frontline therapy to assess if bleomycin discontinuation increases the risk of lymphoma progression. After the exclusion of patients who received radiotherapy or other drugs, 106 and 28 patients in the six-cycle ABVD and BAPT groups respectively had similar survival curves for progression and death with a 49-month median follow-up. PFS rates were also very similar at two and four years from diagnosis with 2-year PFS rates of 83.9% and 82.1% (RR = 1.1 95%CI = 0.45-2.2). Outcome comparisons were also similar between the two groups when stratified according to early response assessment with PET/CT. Patients who discontinued bleomycin due to toxicity did not experience an increased risk of progression compared to patients who completed six ABVD cycles.

Incorporating Monoclonal Antibodies into the First-Line Treatment of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

The long-term survival of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients treated according to the current standard of care is excellent. Combined-modality schedules (ABVD plus radiotherapy) in early-stage disease, along with treatment intensity adaptation to early metabolic response assessed by PET/CT in advanced stage HL, have been the cornerstones of risk stratification and treatment decision-making, minimizing treatment-related complications while keeping efficacy. Nevertheless, a non-negligible number of patients are primary refractory or relapse after front-line treatment. Novel immunotherapeutic agents, namely Brentuximab Vedotin (BV) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI), have already shown outstanding efficacy in a relapsed/refractory setting in recent landmark studies. Several phase 2 single-arm studies suggest that the addition of these agents in the frontline setting could further improve long-term disease control permitting one to reduce the exposure to cytotoxic drugs. However, a longer follow-up is needed. At the time of this writing, the only randomized phase 3 trial so far published is the ECHELON-1, which compares 1 to 1 BV-AVD (Bleomycin is replaced by BV) with standard ABVD in untreated advanced-stage III and IV HL. The ECHELON-1 trial has proven that BV-AVD is safe and more effective both in terms of long-term disease control and overall survival. Just recently, the results of the S1826 SWOG trial demonstrated that the combination nivolumab-AVD (N-AVD) is better than BV-AVD, while preliminary results of other randomized ongoing phase 3 trials incorporating anti-PD-1 in this setting will be soon available. The aim of this review is to present the recent data regarding these novel agents in first-line treatment of HL and to highlight current and future trends which will hopefully reshape the overall management of this disease.

A Review of Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Era of Checkpoint Inhibitors

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a hematopoietic malignancy of B-cells that has a bimodal distribution with respect to age and incidence. With the introduction of doxorubicin (Adriamycin), bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) and radiation combined, the prognosis of HL has significantly improved, with five-year survival rates approaching 95%. While HL has become highly curable, the side effect profiles of ABVD are dire and warrant continuous review. Because HL is often diagnosed in populations in their 20s-30s, patients are forced to undergo fertility preservation procedures as well as deal with other long-term side effects of chemotherapy (including doxorubicin dose-dependent cardiotoxicity and bleomycin-induced lung toxicity). The opportunity cost of the treatment in the short term and vulnerability to treatment-induced malignancies decades later dramatically affect the quality of life of HL patients. New therapies have developed over the past several decades with respect to immunotherapies, particularly programmed death protein 1 inhibitors (e.g., nivolumab and pembrolizumab). Studies have shown checkpoint inhibitors to be effective in treating HL with an objective response rate of 69% for relapsed/refractory classical HL for nivolumab use. Checkpoint inhibitors will continue to help maintain the high five-year survival rate for HL and hopefully have a more favorable side effect profile in the short term, as well as later in the patient's life. This article seeks to summarize treatment options for HL while comparing outcomes and side effect profiles with the addition of checkpoint inhibitors.

Concurrent pembrolizumab with AVD for untreated classic Hodgkin lymphoma

Concurrent administration of pembrolizumab with chemotherapy in untreated classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) has not been studied previously. To investigate this combination, we conducted a single-arm study of concurrent pembrolizumab with AVD (doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine; APVD) for untreated CHL. We enrolled 30 patients and met the primary safety end point with no observed significant treatment delays in the first 2 cycles. Twelve patients experienced grade 3 or 4 nonhematologic adverse events (AEs), most commonly febrile neutropenia and infection/sepsis. Grade 3 or 4 immune-related AEs, including alanine aminotransferase elevation and aspartate aminotransferase elevation were observed in 3 patients. One patient experienced an episode of grade 2 colitis and arthritis. Six patients missed at least 1 dose of pembrolizumab because of AEs, primarily grade 2 or higher transaminitis. Among 29 response-evaluable patients, the best overall response rate was 100% and the complete response rate was 90%. With a median follow-up of 2.1 years, the 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 97% and 100%, respectively. To date, no patient who has withheld or discontinued pembrolizumab because of toxicity has progressed. Clearance of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was associated with superior PFS when measured after cycle 2 and at the end of treatment (EOT). None of the 4 patients with persistent uptake by fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) at EOT yet negative ctDNA have relapsed to date. Concurrent APVD shows promising safety and efficacy but may yield spurious PET findings in some patients. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03331341.

Advances in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma (Review)

Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is a unique B‑cell lymphoproliferative malignancy that has a critical pathogenesis characterized by a sparse population of Hodgkin and Reed‑Sternberg cells surrounded by numerous dysfunctional immune cells. Although systemic chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy, has significantly improved the prognosis of the majority of patients with HL, a subset of patients remains refractory to first‑line therapy or relapse after achieving an initial response. With the increased understanding of the biology and microenvironment of HL, novel strategies with notable efficacy and manageable toxicity, including targeted therapies, immunotherapy and cell therapy have emerged. The present review summarizes the progress made in developing novel therapies for HL and discusses future research directions in HL therapy.

Brentuximab Vedotin Plus AVD for First-Line Treatment of Early-Stage Unfavorable Hodgkin Lymphoma (BREACH): A Multicenter, Open-Label, Randomized, Phase II Trial

PURPOSE

The prognosis of patients with early-stage unfavorable Hodgkin lymphoma remains unsatisfactory. We assessed the efficacy and safety of brentuximab vedotin plus doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (BV-AVD) in previously untreated, early-stage unfavorable Hodgkin lymphoma (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02292979).

METHODS

BREACH is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase II trial. Eligible patients were age 18-60 years with ≥ 1 unfavorable EORTC/LYSA criterion. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to four cycles of BV-AVD or standard doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine, and dacarbazine (ABVD), followed by 30 Gy involved node radiotherapy. The primary end point was the positron emission tomography (PET) response rate after two cycles by expert independent review using the Deauville score. The study was designed to test if the PET-negative rate after two cycles of BV-AVD was superior to 75%. We hypothesized a 10% increase in the PET-negative rate after two cycles of BV-AVD.

RESULTS

Between March 2015 and October 2016, 170 patients were enrolled. After two cycles, the primary end point of the study was met: 93 (82.3%; 90% CI, 75.3 to 88.0) of 113 patients in the BV-AVD arm were PET-negative (Deauville score 1-3) compared with 43 (75.4%; 90% CI, 64.3% to 84.5%) of 57 in the ABVD arm. The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 97.3% (95% CI, 91.9 to 99.1) and 92.6% (95% CI, 81.4% to 97.2%) in the BV-AVD and ABVD arms, respectively. High total metabolic tumor volume was associated with a significantly shorter PFS (hazard ratio, 17.9; 95% CI, 2.2 to 145.5; P < .001). For patients with high total metabolic tumor volume, the 2-year PFS rate was 90.9% (95% CI, 74.4 to 97.0) and 70.7% (95% CI, 39.4% to 87.9%) in the BV-AVD and ABVD arms, respectively.

CONCLUSION

BV-AVD demonstrated an improvement in the PET-negative rate compared with ABVD after two cycles.

Brentuximab vedotin and its use in the treatment of advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma

Brentuximab vedotin (BV), a CD30-directed antibody-drug conjugate, is US FDA approved for treatment of classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) after progression or relapse of at least two prior lines of chemotherapy or autologous stem cell transplantation, as consolidation therapy after autologous stem cell transplantation for high-risk patients and as a front-line therapy for previously untreated, advanced-stage cHL in combination with chemotherapy. BV is a well-tolerated treatment in previously heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory cHL and in treatment-naive patients. BV use, in combination with other antineoplastic agents for cHL, is under investigation in multiple prospective clinical trials.

Safety and Efficacy of Brentuximab Vedotin in the Treatment of Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a B-cell-derived lymphoid malignancy with the most favorable prognosis among various adult malignancies. However, once it becomes refractory disease to chemotherapy or relapses after high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), it is difficult to manage with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. The introduction of brentuximab vedotin (BV) has changed the treatment landscape of cHL in the past decade. Several studies demonstrated high efficacy of BV monotherapy in heavily treated patients with cHL relapsed or refractory after HDC/ASCT. Recent studies also reported high efficacy of concurrent or sequential combination of BV and chemotherapy in patients with transplant-eligible relapsed/refractory cHL at the second-line setting. In addition, a randomized phase III trial ECHELON-1 reported a positive result of BV in combination with AVD (doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) in patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage cHL. In this review, we summarize available data of BV for cHL and discuss the current and future role of BV in the management of cHL.

The Evolving Role of Brentuximab Vedotin in Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

The arrival of the CD30 directed antibody-drug conjugate, brentuximab vedotin (BV), has altered the approach to patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Since initial approval in 2011, BV has been extensively studied in previously untreated and relapsed/refractory patients. Treatment indications for the antibody-drug conjugate have been expanded from the previously treated population to include maintenance therapy after autologous stem cell transplantation and recently, combination with chemotherapy in newly diagnosed advanced stage patients. This article will review the evolution of BV in classical Hodgkin lymphoma, detailing the studies that led to the approved indications and discussion of recent trials in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Advancing age and the risk of bleomycin pulmonary toxicity in a largely older cohort of patients with newly diagnosed Hodgkin Lymphoma

OBJECTIVES

In patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL), the relationship between increasing age and bleomycin pulmonary toxicity (BPT) remains unclear. This study explores associations between age and BPT in a real-world cohort of largely older patients with HL.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study retrospectively evaluated a nationwide patient cohort of United States Veterans diagnosed with HL in VA medical centers between October 1, 2002 and December 31, 2013 (follow up through April 15, 2016). The primary outcome was the development BPT, defined as: ambient air oxygen saturations <92% with pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiograph and no other etiologies OR clinician documentation of BPT. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate variables associated with development of BPT. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to evaluate the risk of death up-to 5-years from diagnosis.

RESULTS

Overall, 847 patients received chemotherapy and 739 of these patients received bleomycin. Sixty-six patients (9.3%) developed BPT. The incidence of BPT per age category: 0.03 (9/262), 0.07 (13/188), 0.13 (23/171), and 0.24 (21/88) for age categories: ≤ 49, 50-59, 60-69 and ≥ 70 years. Odds of BPT steadily increased with advancing age (compared to patients age ≤ 49 years) with odds ratios of 1.65 (95% CI 0.68-4.03), 3.24 (1.43-7.34), 6.01(2.52-7.34) for age categories 50-59, 60-69 and ≥ 70 years, respectively. The was no association between bleomycin and risk of death up-to 5-years [HR: 0.87; 95% CI (0.61-1.23)].

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a direct relationship between age >60 years and odds of developing clinically significant BPT.

Bleomycin use in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL): toxicity and outcomes in the modern era

One-in-five Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) patients treated with bleomycin develop bleomycin pulmonary toxicity (BPT). Given bleomycin-omission data with negative interim-PET, we assessed changes in BPT statistics. We retrospectively evaluated 126 ABVD-treated HL patients for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), BPT factors, and management. Forty-seven patients developed BPT with 17% BPT-mortality. In univariable analysis, OS was negatively impacted by BPT (HR = 3.6, 95%CI = 1.2-10.6), but not bleomycin-omission (HR = 1.3, 95%CI = 0.5-3.7). In multivariable analysis, BPT was not associated with OS (HR = 3.0, 95%CI = 0.9-9.9). BPT patients were older (46 y vs 33 years) and received less bleomycin (107 vs 215 units) compared to non-BPT patients. BPT was managed primarily with bleomycin-omission. "Recent Era" patients had lower BPT rates (28% vs 48%), mortality (10% vs 21%), and bleomycin doses (7 vs 12 doses), yet higher bleomycin-omission in the absence of the BPT (59% vs 8%) compared to "Early Era". Our data suggest BPT continually impacts OS in ABVD-treated HL patients, however management is changing.

Immunotherapy in Hodgkin Lymphoma: Present Status and Future Strategies

Although classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is usually curable, 20-30% of the patients experience treatment failure and most of them are typically treated with salvage chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT). However, 45-55% of that subset further relapse or progress despite intensive treatment. At the advanced stage of the disease course, recently developed immunotherapeutic approaches have provided very promising results with prolonged remissions or disease stabilization in many patients. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) has been approved for patients with relapsed/refractory cHL (rr-cHL) who have failed autoSCT, as a consolidation after autoSCT in high-risk patients, as well as for patients who are ineligible for autoSCT or multiagent chemotherapy who have failed ≥ two treatment lines. However, except of the consolidation setting, 90-95% of the patients will progress and require further treatment. In this clinical setting, immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) have produced impressive results. Both nivolumab and pembrolizumab have been approved for rr-cHL after autoSCT and BV failure, while pembrolizumab has also been licensed for transplant ineligible patients after BV failure. Other CPIs, sintilimab and tislelizumab, have been successfully tested in China, albeit in less heavily pretreated populations. Recent data suggest that the efficacy of CPIs may be augmented by hypomethylating agents, such as decitabine. As a result of their success in heavily pretreated disease, BV and CPIs are moving to earlier lines of treatment. BV was recently licensed by the FDA for the first-line treatment of stage III/IV Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in combination with AVD (only stage IV according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA)). CPIs are currently being evaluated in combination with AVD in phase II trials of first-line treatment. The impact of BV and CPIs was also investigated in the setting of second-line salvage therapy. Finally, combinations of targeted therapies are under evaluation. Based on these exciting results, it appears reasonable to predict that an improvement in survival and a potential increase in the cure rates of cHL will soon become evident.

Immunotherapy in Hodgkin Lymphoma: Present Status and Future Strategies

Although classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is usually curable, 20-30% of the patients experience treatment failure and most of them are typically treated with salvage chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT). However, 45-55% of that subset further relapse or progress despite intensive treatment. At the advanced stage of the disease course, recently developed immunotherapeutic approaches have provided very promising results with prolonged remissions or disease stabilization in many patients. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) has been approved for patients with relapsed/refractory cHL (rr-cHL) who have failed autoSCT, as a consolidation after autoSCT in high-risk patients, as well as for patients who are ineligible for autoSCT or multiagent chemotherapy who have failed ≥ two treatment lines. However, except of the consolidation setting, 90-95% of the patients will progress and require further treatment. In this clinical setting, immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) have produced impressive results. Both nivolumab and pembrolizumab have been approved for rr-cHL after autoSCT and BV failure, while pembrolizumab has also been licensed for transplant ineligible patients after BV failure. Other CPIs, sintilimab and tislelizumab, have been successfully tested in China, albeit in less heavily pretreated populations. Recent data suggest that the efficacy of CPIs may be augmented by hypomethylating agents, such as decitabine. As a result of their success in heavily pretreated disease, BV and CPIs are moving to earlier lines of treatment. BV was recently licensed by the FDA for the first-line treatment of stage III/IV Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in combination with AVD (only stage IV according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA)). CPIs are currently being evaluated in combination with AVD in phase II trials of first-line treatment. The impact of BV and CPIs was also investigated in the setting of second-line salvage therapy. Finally, combinations of targeted therapies are under evaluation. Based on these exciting results, it appears reasonable to predict that an improvement in survival and a potential increase in the cure rates of cHL will soon become evident.

Combining Biology and Chemistry for a New Take on Chemotherapy: Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Hematologic Malignancies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review is about the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a form of drug delivery consisting of a monoclonal antibody, linker, and cytotoxic payload. We summarize the history of ADC development, highlighting the three FDA-approved ADCs currently available.

RECENT FINDINGS

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin is a CD33-targeted ADC linked to calicheamicin. It is approved for CD33+ AML in the first line or the relapsed or refractory (R/R) setting. Brentuximab vedotin is a CD30-targeted ADC bound to MMAE. It is approved for the treatment of certain R/R CD30+ lymphomas. Recently, it has been approved for first line therapy with chemotherapy in advanced HL. Inotuzumab ozogamicin is a CD22-directed ADC attached to calicheamicin indicated for the treatment of adults with R/R B cell precursor ALL. Three ADCs have been approved for the treatment of various hematologic malignancies. We discuss the pertinent human trials that led to FDA approval. We include our perspectives about drug resistance, toxicities, and future development.

A Rare Case of Grey Zone Lymphoma Successfully Treated with Brentuximab Vedotin and R-CHP Chemotherapy

Introduction

The diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL), also referred to as grey zone lymphoma (GZL), is a challenging diagnosis. There are no standardized guidelines; however, evidence strongly suggests that DLBCL-based regimens are effective in the treatment of GZL. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an anti-CD30 antibody drug conjugate that has established efficacy in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin and some T-cell lymphomas. There is some evidence that BV has a positive response in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with a wide range of CD30 expressions—including GZL.

Case

We present a case of a patient initially diagnosed with cHL who underwent repeat biopsy which was revealed to be GZL. Based on PET scanning and immunohistochemical studies, she was classified as a stage IIIA CD20+/CD30+ GZL patient. Given her strong CD30 expression, she underwent 6 cycles of R-BV-CHP (rituximab, brentuximab vedotin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone) chemotherapy and achieved complete response (CR) both clinically and radiographically.

Discussion

Given the rarity of GZL, this case illustrates the immense challenges in making the diagnosis, discusses the current treatment options, and suggests that BV may be a viable therapeutic candidate in the treatment of GZL.

Update on the role of brentuximab vedotin in classical Hodgkin lymphoma

Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). It was initially approved by the US FDA for the treatment of HL after failure of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (autoHSCT) or after failure of at least two prior lines of multiagent chemotherapy in patients who are not transplant candidates, and then subsequently, as consolidation therapy after autoHSCT in patients who are at high risk for relapse. However, the role of BV in the treatment of HL is evolving. BV has shown promising efficacy as a salvage treatment in the second-line setting prior to autoHSCT. Most recently, the ECHELON-1 trial demonstrated that BV combined with AVD for the treatment of newly diagnosed advanced stage HL improved modified progression-free survival (mPFS) compared with standard ABVD. Based on these results, the US FDA has approved BV as part of the initial treatment of advanced stage HL. With the approval of BV as front-line therapy, depending on how widely the use of BV plus AVD is adopted, the role of BV in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory (rel/ref) HL may need to be redefined. BV retreatment can be effective, and studies of rational BV-based combination regimens may help to improve response rates and overcome BV resistance. Furthermore, BV has been demonstrated to be effective in the initial treatment of elderly or unfit patients, and ongoing studies are evaluating the addition of BV to initial chemotherapy in patients with early stage HL.

Brentuximab vedotin in Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma: an evidence-based review

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) account for ~10% and 2%-3% of all cases of lymphoid neoplasms, respectively. Up to 30% of patients with HL are refractory or relapse after first-line therapy, and elderly patients with HL represent a subgroup of patients with suboptimal responses to the currently available treatments. Five-year overall survival for ALCL patients is 50%-80% with conventional chemotherapy. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are needed for these groups of patients. Brentuximab vedotin is a chimeric IgG1 anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate that has all the features that are necessary to make a substantive difference with the standard therapies in patients with HL and ALCL: a novel mechanism of action, single-agent activity, non-cross-resistance, and safety both in the relapsed-refractory and in the front-line setting. This review provides an update of the results of the most relevant clinical trials including brentuximab vedotin for patients with HL and ALCL conducted to date.

Efficacy of antibody-drug conjugate brentuximab vedotin in treating Hodgkin's lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) patients refractory to first-line therapy or relapsed after autologous stem cell transplantation have a dismal prognosis, and their treatment represents an unmet medical need. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is a second-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) constituted by an anti-CD30 antibody linked to the cytotoxic drug monomethyl auristatin E. The first administration of BV in relapsed and refractory HL patients in a phase I study showed an impressive antilymphoma activity and prompted development of the drug. Areas covered: This article reviews pharmaceutical characteristics of ADC and specific chemical features of BV related to mechanism of action and mechanism of resistance. Administration recommendation and main toxicities will also be described. Antilymphoma efficacy of BV alone and in combination with conventional chemotherapy and new compounds in different settings of HL patients will be examined. Expert opinion: BV seems to be an effective and safe option for treatment of HL patients. BV alone or in association with chemotherapy as salvage regimen or as bridge to autologous or allogeneic transplant showed encouraging results. Exploration of new drug combinations and new settings of treatment is warranted in order to reduce long-term therapy-related toxicities and ameliorate survival of poor prognosis patients.

Management of Lymphomas: Consensus Document 2018 by an Indian Expert Group

The clinical course of lymphoma depends on the indolent or aggressive nature of the disease. Hence, the optimal management of lymphoma needs a correct diagnosis and classification as B cell, T-cell or natural killer (NK)/T-cell as well as indolent or high-grade type lymphoma. The current consensus statement, developed by experts in the field across India, is intended to help healthcare professionals manage lymphomas in adults over 18 years of age. However, it should be noted that the information provided may not be appropriate to all patients and individual patient circumstances may dictate alternative approaches. The consensus statement discusses the diagnosis, staging and prognosis applicable to all subtypes of lymphoma, and detailed treatment regimens for specific entities of lymphoma including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, and anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Treatment of classical Hodgkin lymphoma in the era of brentuximab vedotin and immune checkpoint inhibitors

The majority of Hodgkin lymphoma patients are now cured with conventional first-line therapy; however, 10-15% of early-stage disease and less than 30% of advanced-stage patients are refractory(rare) or relapsed. Salvage second-line therapy combined with high-dose therapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation can cure 40-50% of patients. Recently novel agents (Brentuximab Vedotin and Immune Checkpoint inhibitors) have demonstrated evidence of therapeutic activity and are potential bridge to an allogeneic stem-cell transplantation. The review is aimed to present not only salvage strategies; indeed, the paper contains paragraphs about therapy and new treatment options at diagnosis.

Advances in CD30- and PD-1-targeted therapies for classical Hodgkin lymphoma

CD30 and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) are two ideal therapeutic targets in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). The CD30 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) brentuximab vedotin and the PD-1 antibodies nivolumab and pembrolizumab are highly efficacious in treating relapsed and/or refractory cHL. Ongoing studies are evaluating their efficacy in earlier lines of therapy and have demonstrated encouraging results. These agents are expected to further change the landscape of cHL management. Increased cure rates and reduced long-term toxicity from traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy are likely with the emergence of these novel targeted therapies.

Optimizing therapy in advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma

The treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma has evolved continuously since the introduction of extended-field radiotherapy in the 1960s to involved-field and then involved-node radiotherapy, multiagent chemotherapy, combined chemoradiotherapy, risk-adapted and response-adapted modulation, and, most recently, introduction of antibody-drug conjugates and immune checkpoint-blocking antibodies. These changes have translated into progressively increasing cure rates, so that 10-year survival figures now exceed 80%, compared with <50% 40 years ago. The challenge now is how to improve upon success while maintaining, or if possible improving, the quality of life for survivors. Steering between undertreatment, with the risk of avoidable recurrences, and overtreatment, with the risk of unnecessary toxicity, remains complex because control of the lymphoma and the probability of survival are no longer closely linked. This requires trials with long follow-up and continuous reappraisal of the interaction between the illness; the method used to define risk, and the type of treatment involved. One important factor in this is age: outcomes in older patients have not improved at the same rate as those in the population under 60 years of age, reflecting the need for different approaches. Recently, treatment has moved from being primarily risk-based, using baseline characteristics such as anatomical stage and severity of the illness, to a more dynamic approach that takes account of the response to therapy, using functional imaging to make an early appraisal, with the option to modulate subsequent treatment. The results of several trials indicate that this has advantages, but a combination of risk- and response-adaptation is probably ideal.

Biology of classical Hodgkin lymphoma: implications for prognosis and novel therapies

Hodgkin lymphoma is considered a prime example of treatment success, with cure rates exceeding 80% using modern combined modality therapies. However, especially in adolescents and young adults, treatment-related toxicity and long-term morbidity still represent persistent challenges. Moreover, outcomes in patients with relapsed or refractory disease remain unfavorable in the era of high-dose chemotherapy and stem-cell transplantation. Hence, there is a high demand for novel and innovative alternative treatment approaches. In recent years, many new therapeutic agents have emerged from preclinical and clinical studies that target molecular hallmarks of Hodgkin lymphoma, including the aberrant phenotype of the tumor cells, deregulated oncogenic pathways, and immune escape. The antibody-drug conjugate brentuximab vedotin and immune checkpoint inhibitors have already shown great success in patients with relapsed/refractory disease, leading to US Food and Drug Administration approval and new trials testing these agents in various clinical settings. The expanding knowledge and understanding of Hodgkin lymphoma biology and disease progression, as well as the development of robust tools for biomarker-driven risk stratification and therapeutic decision making, continue to be fundamentally important for the success of these and other novel agents. We anticipate that the availability and clinical implementation of novel molecular assays will be instrumental in an era of rapid shifts in the treatment landscape of this disease. Here, we review the current knowledge of Hodgkin lymphoma pathobiology, highlighting the related development of novel treatment strategies and prognostic models that hold the promise to continually challenge and change the current standard of care in classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

Brentuximab Vedotin with Chemotherapy for Stage III or IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Brentuximab vedotin is an anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate that has been approved for relapsed and refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma.

METHODS

We conducted an open-label, multicenter, randomized phase 3 trial involving patients with previously untreated stage III or IV classic Hodgkin's lymphoma, in which 664 were assigned to receive brentuximab vedotin, doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (A+AVD) and 670 were assigned to receive doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD). The primary end point was modified progression-free survival (the time to progression, death, or noncomplete response and use of subsequent anticancer therapy) as adjudicated by an independent review committee. The key secondary end point was overall survival.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 24.6 months, 2-year modified progression-free survival rates in the A+AVD and ABVD groups were 82.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 78.8 to 85.0) and 77.2% (95% CI, 73.7 to 80.4), respectively, a difference of 4.9 percentage points (hazard ratio for an event of progression, death, or modified progression, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.98; P=0.04). There were 28 deaths with A+AVD and 39 with ABVD (hazard ratio for interim overall survival, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.45 to 1.18]; P=0.20) [corrected]. All secondary efficacy end points trended in favor of A+AVD. Neutropenia occurred in 58% of the patients receiving A+AVD and in 45% of those receiving ABVD; in the A+AVD group, the rate of febrile neutropenia was lower among the 83 patients who received primary prophylaxis with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor than among those who did not (11% vs. 21%). Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 67% of patients in the A+AVD group and in 43% of patients in the ABVD group; 67% of patients in the A+AVD group who had peripheral neuropathy had resolution or improvement at the last follow-up visit. Pulmonary toxicity of grade 3 or higher was reported in less than 1% of patients receiving A+AVD and in 3% of those receiving ABVD. Among the deaths that occurred during treatment, 7 of 9 in the A+AVD group were associated with neutropenia and 11 of 13 in the ABVD group were associated with pulmonary-related toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

A+AVD had superior efficacy to ABVD in the treatment of patients with advanced-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma, with a 4.9 percentage-point lower combined risk of progression, death, or noncomplete response and use of subsequent anticancer therapy at 2 years. (Funded by Millennium Pharmaceuticals and Seattle Genetics; ECHELON-1 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01712490 ; EudraCT number, 2011-005450-60 .).

SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions: Hodgkin Lymphoma

Until recently, advances in classic Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) treatment primarily consisted of minor modifications of highly effective decades-old chemotherapy and radiation approaches. In early-stage disease, excellent outcomes have been reported with fewer cycles of chemotherapy, lower doses, smaller radiation fields and in some circumstances, radiation elimination. In advanced-stage disease, maintaining the dose intensity of standard chemotherapy regimens has resulted in modest improvements in outcomes. During the past decade, the use of early interim positron emission tomography (PET) scans to escalate or de-escalate treatment has been the subject of intense investigation with the goal of maximizing efficacy and minimizing toxicity. Important updates from recent PET-directed trials include; elimination of bleomycin in patients with advanced-stage HL and negative interim PET findings, the benefit of therapy escalation in patients with unfavorable early-stage HL and positive interim PET findings, and the minimal benefit of consolidative radiotherapy in patients with unfavorable early-stage HL and negative interim PET findings. A more nuanced approach to consolidative radiotherapy is required for patients with favorable early-stage disease based on age, disease sites, secondary cancer risk, and cardiovascular disease. Brentuximab vedotin and nivolumab/pembrolizumab have provided promising new options with surprisingly high response rates and modest toxicity for patients with relapsed HL whose disease does not respond to standard treatments. Incorporating these agents into earlier therapy is an area of active investigation for all stages of HL. Although the overall prognosis for HL patients has seen incremental improvement, efforts to optimize treatment with more effective and less toxic approaches continue.