Pulmonary lesions in early response assessment in pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma: prevalence and possible implications for initial staging.

BACKGROUND: Disseminated pulmonary involvement in pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (pHL) is indicative of Ann Arbor stage IV disease. During staging, it is necessary to assess for coexistence of non-malignant lung lesions due to infection representing background noise to avoid erroneously upstaging with therapy intensification. OBJECTIVE: This study attempts to describe new lung lesions detected on interim staging computed tomography (CT) scans after two cycles of vincristine, etoposide, prednisolone, doxorubicin in a prospective clinical trial. Based on the hypothesis that these new lung lesions are not part of the underlying malignancy but are epiphenomena, the aim is to analyze their size, number, and pattern to help distinguish true lung metastases from benign lung lesions on initial staging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the EuroNet-PHL-C1 trial re-evaluated the staging and interim lung CT scans of 1,300 pediatric patients with HL. Newly developed lung lesions during chemotherapy were classified according to the current Fleischner glossary of terms for thoracic imaging. Patients with new lung lesions found at early response assessment (ERA) were additionally assessed and compared to response seen in hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes. RESULTS: Of 1,300 patients at ERA, 119 (9.2%) had new pulmonary lesions not originally detectable at diagnosis. The phenomenon occurred regardless of initial lung involvement or whether a patient relapsed. In the latter group, new lung lesions on ERA regressed by the time of relapse staging. New lung lesions on ERA in patients without relapse were detected in 102 (7.8%) patients. Pulmonary nodules were recorded in 72 (5.5%) patients, the majority (97%) being<10 mm. Consolidations, ground-glass opacities, and parenchymal bands were less common. CONCLUSION: New nodules on interim staging are common, mostly measure less than 10 mm in diameter and usually require no further action because they are most likely non-malignant. Since it must be assumed that benign and malignant lung lesions coexist on initial staging, this benign background noise needs to be distinguished from lung metastases to avoid upstaging to stage IV disease. Raising the cut-off size for lung nodules to ≥ 10 mm might achieve the reduction of overtreatment but needs to be further evaluated with survival data. In contrast to the staging criteria of EuroNet-PHL-C1 and C2, our data suggest that the number of lesions present at initial staging may be less important.

Optimizing assessment of CD30 expression in Hodgkin lymphoma by controlling for low expression.

Since the approval of brentuximab vedotin (BV), assessment of CD30 status by immunohistochemistry gained increasing importance in the clinical management of patients diagnosed with CD30-expressing lymphomas, including classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL). Paradoxically, patients with low or no CD30 expression respond to BV. This discrepancy may be due to lack of standardization in CD30 staining methods. In this study, we examined 29 cases of CHL and 4 cases of nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) for CD30 expression using a staining protocol that was designed to detect low CD30 expression levels, and an evaluation system similar to the Allred scoring system used for breast cancer evaluation. For CHL, 10% of cases had low scores and 3% were CD30 negative, with 3 cases in which the majority of tumor cells showed very weak staining. Unexpectedly, one of four cases of NLPHL was positive. We demonstrate intra-patient heterogeneity in CD30 expression levels and staining patterns in tumor cells. Three CHL cases with weak staining may have been missed without the use of control tissue for low expression. Thus, standardization of CD30 immunohistochemical staining with use of known low-expressing controls may aid in proper CD30 assessment and subsequent therapeutic stratification of patients.

Estimated impact of ECHELON-1 overall survival on productivity costs in stage III/IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States.

BACKGROUND: A 2010 study on the impact of cancer mortality on productivity costs found Hodgkin lymphoma to have the second largest productivity cost lost per death in the United States. The ECHELON-1 trial demonstrated that frontline brentuximab vedotin, doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (A+AVD) improves overall survival (OS) vs doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) in stage III/IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), reducing the risk of death to 41% (hazard ratio = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.40-0.88; P = 0.009). OBJECTIVES: To assess the estimated impact of frontline treatment choice on mortality and productivity using an oncology simulation model informed by ECHELON-1 data. METHODS: Individual productivity was estimated using the human capital approach and reported via present value lifetime earnings (PVLE) estimates. Deaths avoided and lifeyears saved without and with A+AVD were calculated using a model informed by realworld treatment use, treatment-specific OS, and expert clinicians' opinions. A+AVD use in the base case was 27% (range: 0%-80%). Stage III/IV cHL prevalence over a 10-year period was estimated; downstream lifetime productivity costs were projected without and with A+AVD. RESULTS: In 2031, 3,645 patients were estimated to be newly diagnosed with stage III/IV cHL. Over 10 years with 27% A+AVD vs no A+AVD use, estimates predicted 14% fewer deaths (2,290 vs 2,650) and 14% less total PVLE losses ($1.438 vs $1.664 billion). Results from scenario analyses (40%-80% vs no A+AVD use) showed 20% to 32% decreases in PVLE losses ($1.331-$1.137 billion vs $1.664 billion), saving up to $527 million over 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Productivity cost losses due to mortality in stage III/IV cHL are high. Increasing A+AVD use for patients with stage III/IV cHL would reduce productivity cost losses as deaths are avoided, based on ECHELON-1 OS results.

Cost-effectiveness of response-adapted therapy (RAT) for advanced Hodgkin's Lymphoma compared with conventional treatment in India: a Markov-model based analysis.

Cost effectiveness analysis of interim positron emission tomography (PET-2, done after 2 cycles of chemotherapy) based response adaptive therapy (RAT) approaches in advanced Hodgkin lymphoma (aHL) are not available from an Indian perspective. We used a five-year decision analytics model to assess the cost-effectiveness of the two RAT approaches [(escalation (RAT-1) or de-escalation (RAT-2)] compared with standard care (SOC) in aHL (mean age:35 years). Modelling data was derived from secondary sources and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the model. Net monetary benefit (NMB) gained from RAT2 in Indian rupees (INR) (INR 2,26,896) was higher than the RAT1 (INR 1,83,138) when compared with SOC. Proportion achieving the complete response after initial treatment (CR1) was the key determining factor for the RAT1/2 dominance over SOC. Despite higher initial input costs, response-adapted therapy of aHL was cost-effective by minimizing the cost incurred and disutility experienced during relapse and salvage.

Despite higher initial costs, response-adapted therapy based on the interim PET scan after 2 cycles of chemotherapy was more cost-effective when compared to standard therapy with 6 cycles of ABVD in patients with advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma. Among the RAT approaches, de-escalation (RAT-2) had better cost-effectiveness than the escalation approach (RAT-1).

Cost-effectiveness of brentuximab vedotin in Hodgkin lymphoma: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to systematically review and critically appraise cost-effectiveness studies on Brentuximab vedotin (BV) in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). METHODS: The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science core collection, and Embase databases were searched until July 3, 2022. We included published full economic evaluation studies on BV for treating patients with HL. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) checklist. Meanwhile, we used qualitative synthesis to analyze the findings. We converted the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) to the value of the US dollar in 2022. RESULTS: Eight economic evaluations met the study's inclusion criteria. The results of three studies that compared BV plus doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (BV + AVD) front-line therapy with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) showed that BV is unlikely to be cost-effective as a front-line treatment in patients advanced stage (III or IV) HL. Four studies investigated the cost-effectiveness of BV in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) HL after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). BV was not cost-effective in the reviewed studies at accepted thresholds. In addition, the adjusted ICERs ranged from $65,382 to $374,896 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). The key drivers of cost-effectiveness were medication costs, hazard ratio for BV, and utilities. CONCLUSION: Available economic evaluations show that using BV as front-line treatment or consolidation therapy is not cost-effective based on specific ICER thresholds for patients with HL or R/R HL. To decide on this orphan drug, we should consider other factors such as existence of alternative treatment options, clinical benefits, and disease burden.

Brentuximab vedotin plus AVD for Hodgkin lymphoma: incidence and management of peripheral neuropathy in a multisite cohort.

Brentuximab vedotin (BV) in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD) is increasingly used for frontline treatment of stage III/IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Peripheral neuropathy (PN) was the most common and treatment-limiting side effect seen in clinical trials but has not been studied in a nontrial setting, in which clinicians may have different strategies for managing it. We conducted a multisite retrospective study to characterize PN in patients who received BV + AVD for newly diagnosed cHL. One hundred fifty-three patients from 10 US institutions were eligible. Thirty-four patients (22%) had at least 1 ineligibility criteria for ECHELON-1, including stage, performance status, and comorbidities. PN was reported by 80% of patients during treatment; 39% experienced grade (G) 1, 31% G2, and 10% G3. In total, BV was modified in 44% of patients because of PN leading to BV discontinuation in 23%, dose reduction in 17%, and temporary hold in 4%. With a median follow-up of 24 months, PN resolution was documented in 36% and improvement in 33% at the last follow-up. Two-year progression-free survival (PFS) for the advanced-stage patients was 82.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-0.90) and overall survival was 97.4% (95% CI, 0.94-1.00). Patients who discontinued BV because of PN did not have inferior PFS. In the nontrial setting, BV + AVD was associated with a high incidence of PN. In our cohort, which includes patients who would not have been eligible for the pivotal ECHELON-1 trial, BV discontinuation rates were higher than previously reported, but 2-year outcomes remain comparable.

Response assessment by positron emission tomography-computed tomography as compared with contrast-enhanced computed tomography in childhood Hodgkin lymphoma can reduce the need for radiotherapy in low- and middle-income countries.

INTRODUCTION: The InPOG-HL-15-01, a multicentric prospective study, used a risk-stratified and response-based approach with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) backbone to treat children and adolescents with newly diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and reduce the use of radiation therapy (RT). Children/adolescents with bulky disease or inadequate response at early response assessment (ERA) after two cycles of chemotherapy were assigned to receive RT. For ERA, positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET-CT) was recommended but not mandatory in view of limited access. This study aimed to compare the impact of using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and PET-CT on treatment decisions and outcomes. METHODOLOGY: 396 patients were enrolled and 382 had an ERA at the assigned time point. Satisfactory response was defined as Deauville score 3 or less for patients undergoing PET-CT and complete response (CR)/very good partial response (VGPR) for patients undergoing CECT. Outcomes of interest incorporate 5 year event-free survival (EFS), EFS including abandonment (EFSa), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: At ERA, satisfactory response was documented in 277 out of 382 (72.5%) participants and this was significantly higher in PET-CT (151 out of 186, 81.2%) as compared with CECT-based assessments (126 out of 196, 64.3%) respectively (p value < .001). Amongst the 203 patients with nonbulky disease (wherein the indication for RT was entirely dependent on ERA), 96 out of 114 (84.2%) and 61 out of 89 (68.5%) patients achieved a satisfactory response according to the PET-CT and CECT (p value = .008) respectively and hence a lesser proportion of patients in the PET-CT arm received RT. Despite a lower usage of RT the 5 year OS of both groups, ERA based on CECT (91.8%) versus PET-CT (94.1%) was comparable (p value = .391) and so was the 5 year EFS (86.7 vs. 85.5%, p value = .724). CONCLUSION: Use of PET-CT as the modality for ERA is more likely to indicate a satisfactory response as compared with CECT and thereby decreases the need for RT in response-based treatment algorithm for HL-afflicted children. The reduction in the application of RT did not impact the overall outcome and plausibly would lower the risk of delayed toxic effects.

Cost-Effectiveness of Colorectal Cancer Surveillance in Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors Treated with Procarbazine and/or Infradiaphragmatic Radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Hodgkin lymphoma survivors treated with infradiaphragmatic radiotherapy (IRT) and/or procarbazine have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. We investigated the cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer surveillance in Dutch Hodgkin lymphoma survivors to determine the optimal surveillance strategy for different Hodgkin lymphoma subgroups. METHODS: The Microsimulation Screening Analysis-Colon model was adjusted to reflect colorectal cancer and other-cause mortality risk in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors. Ninety colorectal cancer surveillance strategies were evaluated varying in starting and stopping age, interval, and modality [colonoscopy, fecal immunochemical test (FIT, OC-Sensor; cutoffs: 10/20/47 µg Hb/g feces), and multi-target stool DNA test (Cologuard)]. Analyses were also stratified per primary treatment (IRT and procarbazine or procarbazine without IRT). Colorectal cancer deaths averted (compared with no surveillance) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were primary outcomes. The optimal surveillance strategy was identified assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of €20,000 per life-years gained (LYG). RESULTS: Overall, the optimal surveillance strategy was annual FIT (47 µg) from age 45 to 70 years, which might avert 70% of colorectal cancer deaths in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors (compared with no surveillance; ICER:€18,000/LYG). The optimal surveillance strategy in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors treated with procarbazine without IRT was biennial FIT (47 µg) from age 45 to 70 years (colorectal cancer mortality averted 56%; ICER:€15,000/LYG), and when treated with IRT and procarbazine, annual FIT (47 µg) surveillance from age 40 to 70 was most cost-effective (colorectal cancer mortality averted 75%; ICER:€13,000/LYG). CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal cancer surveillance in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors is cost-effective and should commence earlier than screening occurs in population screening programs. For all subgroups, FIT surveillance was the most cost-effective strategy. IMPACT: Colorectal cancer surveillance should be implemented in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors.

A systematic literature review of the epidemiology, quality of life, and economic burden, including disease pathways and treatment patterns of relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

INTRODUCTION: A systematic literature review was conducted to understand disease burden in patients with relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (R/R cHL). AREAS COVERED: Embase®, PubMed®, and Cochrane were searched for records from 2001 to 2020 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A total of 13,257 abstracts and 1731 papers were screened; 144 studies were identified. cHL accounted for 0.5% of all cancers, with 4‒66.7% of cases progressing to R/R disease (studies with >500 patients); this range varied across countries. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed via EORTC-QLQ-C30 (n = 7), EQ-5D (n = 5), SF-36 (n = 3), FACIT-F (n = 1), and MFI (n = 1) questionnaires. In general, pembrolizumab and other programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitors improved QoL scores. Brentuximab vedotin showed mixed outcomes, and high-dose therapy (HDT) and autologous stem-cell rescue (ASCR) showed worsening functionality/symptoms. Economic burden studies (n = 21) reported increased costs and health care resource in R/R cHL. Across clinical guidelines (n = 13) and treatment pattern studies (n = 46), HDT followed by ASCR was recommended as initial R/R cHL treatment. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab were frequently recommended for patients relapsing following HDT/ASCR. EXPERT OPINION: Despite recent treatment advances, patients with R/R cHL continue to report reduced quality of life. Unmet medical needs remain, particularly with respect to slowing disease progression and identifying the best treatment approaches for improving longer-term survival and quality of life. This systematic literature review provides an extensive overview of the current landscape in patients with R/R cHL, focusing on four key areas: epidemiology, QoL, economic burden, and disease management. These findings will be useful to those with an interest in managing patients with R/R cHL or in designing future studies.

Eficacia y seguridad de pembrolizumab en pacientes menores de 18 años con linfoma de Hodgkin clásico, refractario / recaída a dos o más líneas de quimioterapia / Efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab in patients under 18 years of age with classic hodgkin's lymphoma, refractory/relapse to two or more lines of chemotherapy

ANTECEDENTES: En el marco de la metodología ad hoc para evaluar solicitudes de tecnologías sanitarias, aprobada mediante Resolución de Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación N° 111-IETSI-ESSALUD-2021, se ha elaborado el presente dictamen, el cual expone la evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad de pembrolizumab en pacientes menores de 18 años con linfoma Hodgkin clásico, refractario/recaída a dos o más líneas de quimioterapia. Así, el Dr. José Aparicio Hernández Briceño, médico especialista en oncología del Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, siguiendo la Directiva N° 003-IETSI-ESSALUD-2016, envía al Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación - IETSI la solicitud de uso por fuera del petitorio del producto farmacéutico pembrolizumab. ASPECTOS GENERALES: El linfoma de Hodgkin (LH) es una neoplasia maligna poco frecuente que afecta los ganglios y el sistema linfático. Representa, aproximadamente, el 7 % de los cánceres infantiles y el 1 % de las muertes por cáncer infantil en los Estados Unidos (McClain y Kamdar 2022). En el Perú al 2020, el LH fue la quinta causa de cáncer en niños y jóvenes de O - 19 años, con una tasa de incidencia estandarizada por edad de 0.44 casos por cada 100 000 habitantes. Asimismo, fue la sexta causa de muerte por cáncer con una tasa estandarizada por edad de 0.06 muertes por cada 100 000 habitantes (GLOBOCAN [Internet] 2020). El LH, según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), se divide en linfoma de Hodgkin clásico (LHC) y linfoma de Hodgkin con predominio linfocitario nodular (LHPLN). En los países occidentales, el LHC representa el 95 % y LHPLN representa el 5 % de todos los LH (Eichenauer et al. 2018; NCCN 2022). El LHC se caracteriza por la presencia de las células de Reed-Sternberg, cuya superficie expresa el antígeno CD30. Las células de ReedSternberg y las células infiltrantes del microambiente celular expresan fuertemente las proteínas PD-L1 y PD-L2 que se unen al receptor PD-1 de los linfocitos T (una proteína que ayuda a controlar la respuesta inmune del cuerpo) (Ansell 2021; Carey et al. 2017). METODOLOGÍA: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda bibliográfica exhaustiva con el objetivo de identificar la mejor evidencia sobre la eficacia y seguridad de pembrolizumab en pacientes menores de 18 años con linfoma Hodgkin clásico, refractario/recaída a dos o más líneas de quimioterapia. La búsqueda bibliográfica se realizó en las bases de datos PubMed, The Cochrane Library y LILACS. Asimismo, se realizó una búsqueda manual dentro de las páginas web pertenecientes a grupos que realizan evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias (ETS) y guías de práctica clínica (GPC) incluyendo el National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), la Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), el Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), el Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), el Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare (IQWiG por sus siglas en alemán), la International Database of GRADE Guideline, el Centro Nacional de Excelencia Tecnológica en Salud (CENETEC), la Guidelines International Network (GIN), National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), la Cancer Guidelines Database, el New Zealand Guidelines Group (NZGG), el Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud (IETS), el Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), la Base Regional de Informes de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud de las Américas (BRISA), la OMS, el Ministerio de Salud del Perú (MINSA) y el Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación (IETSI). Además, se realizó una búsqueda de GPC de las principales sociedades o instituciones especializadas en oncología o hematología, tales como: National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), la Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), la European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), la American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), la British Society for Haematology (BSH) y la American Society of Hematology (ASH). Finalmente, se realizó una búsqueda en la página web www.clinicaltrials.gov, para identificar ensayos clínicos (EC) en curso o que no hayan sido publicados aún. RESULTADOS: Luego de la búsqueda bibliográfica hasta febrero de 2022, se identificaron dos GPC elaboradas por la NCCN (NCCN 2021) y la ESMO (Eichenauer et al. 2018); 2 ETS elaboradas por la CADTH (CADTH 2021) y la SMC (SMC 2021) y un ensayo clínico denominado KEYNOTE-051 (Geoerger et al. 2020). CONCLUSIÓN Por lo expuesto, el Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación no aprueba el uso de pembrolizumab para pacientes pacientes menores de 18 años con LHC, refractario/recaída a dos o más líneas de quimioterapia, como producto farmacéutico no incluido en el Petitorio Farmacológico de EsSalud. CONCLUSIÓN: Por lo expuesto, el Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación no aprueba el uso de pembrolizumab para pacientes pacientes menores de 18 años con LHC, refractario/recaída a dos o más líneas de quimioterapia, como producto farmacéutico no incluido en el Petitorio Farmacológico de EsSalud.

Eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento con nivolumab en pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de Linfoma de Hodgkin clásico en recaída o refractario a 3 líneas o más de terapia sistémica incluyendo trasplante autólogo de progenitores hematopoyéticos / Efficacy and safety of treatment with nivolumab in adult patients with a diagnosis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma in relapse or refractory to 3 or more lines of systemic therapy including autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

ANTECEDENTES: En el marco de la metodología ad hoc para evaluar solicitudes de tecnologías sanitarias, aprobada mediante Resolución de Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación N° 111-IETSI-ESSALUD-2021, se ha elaborado el presente dictamen, el que expone la evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad de nivolumab para el tratamiento de los pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de linfoma de Hodgkin clásico en recaída o refractario a 3 líneas o más de terapia sistémica incluyendo el trasplante autólogo de progenitores hematopoyéticos. Así, el Dr. Eduardo Fernández Vértiz, médico hematólogo del Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, siguiendo la Directiva N° 003- IETSI-ESSALUD-2016, envió al Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación ­ IETSI, la solicitud de uso del producto farmacéutico nivolumab no incluido en el Petitorio Farmacológico de EsSalud. ASPECTOS GENERALES: El linfoma de Hodgkin (LH) es una neoplasia maligna caracterizada por células B linfáticas malignas que afecta a los ganglios linfáticos periféricos y puede afectar al hígado, pulmones y médula ósea (Küppers et al., 2012). Según la morfología e inmunofenotipo, el LH clásico (LHC) representa, aproximadamente, el 90 % de LH (Laurent et al., 2015). Cerca del 20 % de los pacientes con LHC sufre de recaída o de enfermedad progresiva primaria (Momotow et al., 2021). El tratamiento recomendado para estos pacientes es la quimioterapia a altas dosis, seguida de trasplante autólogo de células madre; sin embargo, el 50 % de los pacientes no logrará curarse (Akpek et al., 2001; Rapoport et al., 2004). Los pacientes con segunda o posterior recaída pueden ser candidatos a otros regímenes de quimioterapia, como: DHAP, ICE, IGEV, GVD o ESHAP (Momotow et al., 2021). De acuerdo con el German Hodgkin Study Group, tras la tercera recaída, 3 la sobrevida global (SG) es de 73.2 % (IC 95 %: 62.6 % - 83.8 %) luego de 12 meses y de 65.6 % (IC 95 %: 54.2 ­ 77.0) luego de 18 meses (Broeckelmann et al., 2017). EsSalud cuenta con medicamentos que podrían ofrecerse para el tratamiento de los pacientes con LHC en recaída o refractario, tales como DHAP, ICE, ESHAP, GVD e IGEV, los cuales están recomendados por las GPC. Sin embargo, los especialistas de la institución sugieren que el uso de nivolumab podría aumentar la SG, disminuir el riesgo de muerte por enfermedad no controlada, mejorar la tasa de respuesta objetiva (TRO), y mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente. METODOLOGÍA: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda bibliográfica exhaustiva con el objetivo de identificar la mejor evidencia disponible sobre la eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento con nivolumab en pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de LHC en recaída o refractario a 3 líneas o más de terapia sistémica incluyendo TAPH. La búsqueda bibliográfica se realizó en las bases de datos PubMed, The Cochrane Library y LILACS. Adicionalmente, se buscó evidencia manualmente en páginas web de grupos que se dedican a la elaboración de guías de práctica clínica, tales como el Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación (IETSI), el National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), la Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), la Guidelines International Network (GIN), la National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), la European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), el National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), y la Sociedad Alemana de Hematología y Oncología. También, se realizó la búsqueda en entidades que realizan evaluaciones de tecnologías sanitarias como la Comissáo Nacional de Incorporacáo de Tecnologias no Sistema Único de Saúde (CONITEC), el Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud (IETS) de Colombia, el Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), el Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWIG), la Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), la American Society of Clinical Oncology, la Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies (CADTH), la International HTA Database, la Base Regional de Informes de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud de las Américas (BRISA), entre otras. Finalmente, se buscaron registros de ensayos clínicos en la página web www.clinicaltrials.gov, con el fin de identificar resultados aún no publicados y así disminuir el riesgo de sesgo de publicación. RESULTADOS: Luego de la búsqueda bibliográfica hasta julio de 2021, se incluyeron dos GPC desarrolladas por la ESMO y la NCCN; así como, dos ETS realizadas por el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer del Ministerio de Salud y Desarrollo Social de Argentina y el SMC. Adicionalmente, dado que no se identificaron ECA de fase III que evaluaran la eficacia y seguridad de nivolumab en pacientes con LHC en recaída o refractario, se incluyeron tres publicaciones de los estudios pivotales de nivolumab para el tratamiento de pacientes con LHC (Ansell et al. 2015, Younes et al. 2016 y Armand et al. 2018). CONCLUSIÓN: Por lo expuesto, el Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación no aprueba el uso de nivolumab en pacientes con linfoma de Hodgkin clásico en recaída o refractario a 3 líneas o más de terapia sistémica incluyendo trasplante autólogo de progenitores hematopoyéticos, como producto farmacéutico no incluido en el Petitorio Farmacológico de EsSalud.

Brentuximab vedotin como tratamiento de consolidacion de pacientes con linfoma de hodgkin trasplantados / Brentuximab vedotin as a consolidation treatment for patients with transplanted Hodgkin's lymphom

ANTECECENTES: El linfoma de Hodgkin es una neoplasia maligna derivada generalmente de los ganglios linfáticos con alta tasa de curación con la combinación de agentes citotóxicos (ABVD). Sin embargo, el 30% presenta episodios de refractariedad o recaída. El tratamiento de elección en estos pacientes es la quimioterapia a alta dosis y el TPH autólogo. Sin embargo, el 50% de pacientes son refractarios o recaen luego de ser trasplantados, sin lograr el objetivo principal: alcanzar curación del cáncer. Se plantea la pregunta PICO siguiente: "En los pacientes con diagnóstico de linfoma de Hodgkin CD 30(+) post TPH autólogo, ¿Cuál es la eficacia y seguridad de la aplicación de brentuximab vedotina como tratamiento de consolidación en comparación con observación?" Se realizo una búsqueda sistemática en COCHRANE y MEDLINE para encontrar revisiones sistemáticas/metaanálisis que respondan la pregunta PICO planteada. De la misma forma, se buscó en sumarios médicos (Uptodate) y repositorios (BRISA y TRIP DATA BASE), para valorar las evaluaciones de tecnología sanitaria y guías de práctica clínica que realizan alguna recomendación sobre la intervención de interés. TECNOLOGÍA: Las agencias reguladoras internacionales, FDA y EMA, recomiendan el uso de brentuximab vedotin como consolidación post trasplante en pacientes con factores de riesgo de recurrencia desde julio del 2011 y octubre del 2012, respectivamente. DISCUSIÓN: El linfoma de Hodgkin es una neoplasia maligna derivada generalmente de los ganglios, con alta tasa de curación con la combinación de agentes citotóxicos (ABVD). Sin embargo, el 30% presenta episodios de refractariedad o recaída. El tratamiento de elección en estos pacientes es la quimioterapia a alta dosis y el TPH autólogo. Sin embargo, el 50% en pacientes son refractarios o recaen luego de ser trasplantados, sin lograr el objetivo principal: alcanzar curación del cáncer. Los sumarios médicos sugieren el uso de Brentuximab vedotin como terapia de consolidación luego del trasplante en pacientes con factores de riesgo (refractario primario o recaída <12 meses, respuesta menos que completa a la terapia de rescate, síntomas B y/o enfermedad extra ganglionar durante la recaída y la necesidad de uso de ≥ 2 terapias de rescate) con el objetivo de disminuir el riesgo de recurrencia post trasplante. Las guías de práctica clínica internacionales; como la NCCN (2022), Servicio de Salud de Alberta (2021) y ESMO (2020) sugieren el uso de brentuximab en pacientes con linfoma de Hodgkin post trasplantados con factores de riesgo para recurrencia. La cantidad de evidencia que sustenta el uso de Brentuximab vedotin en este escenario es limitada. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en MEDLINE y COCHRANE, sin embargo, no se logró encontrar una revisión sistemática/metaanálisis que responda la pregunta PICO. Se encontró un ensayo clínico aleatorizado fase III, el estudio AETHERA, el cual reporto una mejora estadísticamente significativa en la SLP al dar Brentuximab vedotin como terapia de consolidación post trasplante en los pacientes con factores de riesgo (42.9 meses versus 24.1 meses; HR 0.57, IC 95% 0.40-0.81, p = 0.001). Los pacientes con mayor cantidad de factores de riesgo obtuvieron HR más profundos. Los pacientes con ≥ 1, ≥ 2 y ≥ 3 factores de riesgo presentaron HR de 0.57 (0.40-0.81), 0.49 (0.34-0.71) y HR de 0.43 (0.27-0.68). Sin embargo, no hubo beneficio en sobrevida global, aunque si se presentó una tendencia marcada a profundizarse el HR de SG conforme mayor cantidad de factores de riesgo presentados. Si bien es evidente el beneficio en SLP, no se traduce en una mejora estadística en SG, lo cual debería considerarse el objetivo primario del estudio. Sin embargo, remarcamos que los pacientes que recibieron placebo y recayeron, recibieron Brentuximab vedotin. Es probable que el crossover comprometa los resultados finales en sobrevida global, no permitiendo obtener conclusiones definitivas en este desenlace. Las agencias reguladoras internacionales (FDA y EMA) recomiendan el uso de Brentuximab vedotin como consolidación post trasplante de pacientes con factores de riesgo de recurrencia. En el INEN, durante el año 2021, cinco pacientes recibieron terapia con Brentuximab vedotin como consolidación post trasplante. El 60% (3) tenían sexo masculino y el rango de edad correspondía entre los 22-36 años. Todos los pacientes tenían diagnóstico de linfoma de Hodgkin, el 60% (3) debuto con EC III mientras que el 40% con estadio II (2). Todos los pacientes recibieron terapia estándar con la combinación ABVD, el 60% (3) fueron catalogados como refractarios a enfermedad mientras que el 40% (2) recayó dentro del año de haber recibido ABVD. Dos pacientes recibieron como esquema previo al trasplante combinación de quimioterapia asociadas con Brentuximab (IGEV y DHAP). La mayoría de los pacientes (60%) recibió 16 cursos de Brentuximab vedotin, 20% (1) recibió 15 y el 20% restante (1) recibió 12 ciclos. El 60% de pacientes finalizo Brentuximab vedotin entre febrero-marzo y el 40% durante noviembre-diciembre 2021. Uno de los pacientes se perdió de vista por motivos extra médicos desde febrero del 2021, el resto continuó en seguimiento activo por el departamento de medicina hasta el momento en que se elaboró el presente informe. Remarcamos que, ninguno de los pacientes tratados con Brentuximab vedotin como consolidación post trasplante durante el año 2021, presentaron recurrencia de enfermedad. Los eventos adversos presentados son: pancitopenia grado 1, fatiga grado 1, dermatopatía grado 1, neuropatía grado 1-2 y hipertransaminasemia grado 2. Solo un paciente presento hipertransaminasemia grado 3. Se presentó la evidencia científica disponible en una reunión multidisciplinaria y se discutió la aplicación de la tecnología en el INEN. Se presento la evidencia científica disponible en una reunión multidisciplinaria y se discutió la aplicación de la tecnología en el INEN. Se determinó que el beneficio de la aplicación de Brentuximab vedotin es significativo sobre la supervivencia en esta población de pobre pronostico (≥1 factor de riesgo para recurrencia del estudio AETHERA), con leve toxicidad y sin otra opción de tratamiento que reduzca el riesgo de recaída. Se concluye que el balance entre los efectos favorables deseables favorece la aplicación de Brentuximab. Se determina que la aplicación de esta tecnología probablemente aumente la equidad en salud y es factible su uso en el INEN. Luego de la emisión de los votos correspondientes, se concluye apoyar el uso de Brentuximab vedotin en los pacientes con linfoma de Hodgkin trasplantados con criterios de riesgo (≥1 factor de riesgo del estudio AETHERA). CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con linfoma de Hodgkin refractarios/recurrentes < 12 m son una población de mal pronóstico. El 50% de los pacientes trasplantados recaen después del TPH. Sumarios y guías internacionales recomiendan el uso de Brentuximab vedotin como consolidación en LH trasplantados con factores de riesgo. La evidencia del tratamiento con Brentuximab vedotin es limitada como terapia de consolidación. Brentuximab vedotin mejora significativamente la SLP en pacientes con linfoma CD 30+ post trasplantados y es una terapia segura, con escasa toxicidad. Agencias reguladoras internacionales (FDA, EMA) validan el uso de Brentuximab vedotin como terapia de consolidación La experiencia en el INEN (año 2021) reporta que Brentuximab vedotin fue seguro y eficaz como régimen de consolidación. Se presentó la evidencia científica disponible sobre la tecnología sanitaria en reunión multidisciplinaria con la Unidad Funcional de Tecnologías Sanitarias (UFETS). Luego de analizar los resultados, se concluye en la aprobación del uso de Brentuximab vedotin como consolidación en los pacientes con diagnóstico de linfoma de Hodgkin trasplantados con criterios de riesgo (≥ 1 factor de riesgo).

Assessment of cognitive function in long-term Hodgkin lymphoma survivors, results based on data from a major treatment center in Hungary.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, more than 80% of newly diagnosed classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients can be cured and become long-term survivors due to risk and response-adapted treatment strategies. A well-known side effect is cognitive dysfunction that appears in HL patients after chemotherapy. In the present study, we aimed to measure cognitive dysfunction in our HL patients in this study and to find potential correlations between patient-related factors, the signs and symptoms of their diseases, or therapeutic factors. METHODS: We carried out a computer-assisted assessment (CANTAB) of cognitive dysfunction in 118 patients. We examined the domains of visual memory, attention, working memory, and planning. RESULTS: The median age of 64 females and 54 males at diagnosis was 29 (13-74) and 41 (21-81) years at the completion of CANTAB. Fifty-two percent of all patients showed cognitive impairment. Attention was impaired in 35% of patients, the working memory and planning were impaired in 25%, while visual memory was affected in 22%. All the three functions showed a significant association with inactive employments status. A close correlation was found between visual memory/working memory and planning, higher age at HL diagnosis or the completion of CANTAB test, and disability pensioner status. DISCUSSION: Our investigation suggests that patients with inactive employment status and older age require enhanced attention. Their cognitive function and quality of life can be improved if they return to work or, if it is not possible, they receive a cognitive training.

Is Radiation Therapy Cost-Effective in the Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Era for Early-Stage Favorable Hodgkin Lymphoma With Alternative Payment Models?

PURPOSE: Despite multiple randomized trials, variation in practice remains regarding the most effective treatment for early-stage, favorable-risk Hodgkin lymphoma. With increasing emphasis on alternative payment models, we investigate the cost-effectiveness of chemotherapy alone versus combined modality therapy (CMT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A Markov model was formed to compared 2 cycles of adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) to 2 cycles of ABVD followed by 20 Gy in 10 fractions involved-site radiation therapy. Modalities were compared using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, with effectiveness measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and evaluated with a willingness to pay a threshold of $100,000 per QALY gained. RESULTS: The base case analysis showed that CMT is cost-effective compared with ABVD alone, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $8028 per QALY gained and an incremental cost of $236 gaining 0.029 QALYs. On sensitivity analyses, the results were the most sensitive to changes in recurrence rates. If the recurrence rate differences were ≥6%, CMT was cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: CMT is a cost-effective strategy for early-stage, favorable-risk Hodgkin lymphoma based on currently available evidence. However, small variations in recurrence-rate estimates dramatically affect strategy cost-effectiveness.

Assessment of Early Therapy Response of Non-Hodgkin's and Hodgkin's Lymphoma Using B-Mode Ultrasound and Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound.

OBJECTIVES: Here we asked, whether contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) enables to judge early treatment response in malignant lymphoma as a potential guidance for further treatment. METHODS: From May 2017 to May 2018, 21 patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of lymphoma were examined by B-mode ultrasound (B-US) and CEUS at fixed early time points after commencing therapy (days [d] 0, 15 and 30 after therapy start) and contrast enhancement patterns in target lymphoma lesions were quantified using Bracco-VUE Box® (DCE-US). To estimate the potential value of CEUS-enhancement patterns for early response prediction, patients were grouped according to their best achieved actual response into complete remission (CR) patients, partial remission (PR) patients or progressive disease (PD) patients. RESULTS: Between d0, d15 and d30, CR-patients showed a median lymphoma shrinking by 34% in B-US. PD-patients experienced a median lymphoma size reduction by 44% on day 15, but lymphoma mass again increased by 20% between d15 and d30. In contrast, the median CEUS enhancement intensity, as assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) was increasing at d15 in CR and PD patients (CR to 152%, PD: to 126%), but decreased at d30 to 14% in CR patients and 22% in PD patients. CONCLUSIONS: While early response assessment using B-US might be useful to predict treatment response in lymphoma, CEUS and DCE-US-although often feasible-do not provide additional value in this regard.

Expenditures in Young Adults with Hodgkin Lymphoma: NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers versus Other Sites.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes among Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients diagnosed between 22 and 39 years are worse than among those diagnosed <21 years, and have not seen the same improvement over time. Treatment at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) mitigates outcome disparities, but may be associated with higher expenditures. METHODS: We examined cancer-related expenditures among 22- to 39-year-old HL patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2016 using deidentified administrative claims data (OptumLabs Data Warehouse; CCC: n = 1,154; non-CCC: n = 643). Adjusting for sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, and months enrolled, multivariable general linear models modeled average monthly health-plan paid (HPP) expenditures, and incidence rate ratios compared CCC/non-CCC monthly visit rates. RESULTS: In the year following diagnosis, CCC patients had higher HPP expenditures ($12,869 vs. $10,688, P = 0.001), driven by higher monthly rates of CCC nontreatment outpatient hospital visits (P = 0.001) and per-visit expenditures for outpatient hospital chemotherapy ($632 vs. $259); higher CCC inpatient expenditures ($1,813 vs. $1,091, P = 0.001) were driven by 3.1 times higher rates of chemotherapy admissions (P = 0.001). Out-of-pocket expenditures were comparable (P = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Young adults with HL at CCCs saw higher health-plan expenditures, but comparable out-of-pocket expenditures. Drivers of CCC expenditures included outpatient hospital utilization (monthly rates of non-therapy visits and per-visit expenditures for chemotherapy). IMPACT: Higher HPP expenditures at CCCs in the year following HL diagnosis likely reflect differences in facility structure and comprehensive care. For young adults, it is plausible to consider incentivizing CCC care to achieve superior outcomes while developing approaches to achieve long-term savings.

Development and validation of a prediction model for 1-year mortality among older adults with Hodgkin Lymphoma who receive dose-intense chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Older adults with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) have poorer outcomes than younger patients. There are little data about which baseline patient and disease factors inform prognosis among older patients. We sought to create a prediction model for 1-year mortality among older patients with new HL who received dose-intense chemotherapy. METHODS: We included adults ≥65 years old with a new diagnosis of classical HL between 2000-2013 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare dataset who received full-regimen chemotherapy. Through a non-random 2:1 split, we created development and validation cohorts. Multiple imputation was used for missing data. Using stepwise selection and logistic regression, we identified predictive variables for 1-year mortality. The model was applied to the validation cohort. A final model was then fit in the full cohort. RESULTS: We included 1315 patients. In the development cohort (n = 813), we identified significant predictors of 1-year mortality including age, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), B symptoms at diagnosis, and advanced stage at diagnosis. The c-statistic was 0.70. When this model was applied to the validation cohort (n = 502), the c-statistic was 0.65. Predictors of 1-year mortality in the final model were CCI (OR = 1.41), B symptoms (OR = 1.54), advanced stage (OR = 1.44), and older age at diagnosis (OR = 1.33). CONCLUSION: We present a prediction model for use among older adults with HL who receive intensive chemotherapy. We identify risk factors for death within 1 year of diagnosis. Future work will build upon prognostication and shared decision-making after diagnosis for this population.

Cost-effectiveness of brentuximab vedotin in advanced stage Hodgkin's lymphoma: a probabilistic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) is a well-established therapy for advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). However, the recently completed ECHELON-1 trial showed potential net clinical benefit for brentuximab vedotin (BREN+AVD) compared to ABVD as frontline therapy in patients with advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma. The objective of this analysis is to determine whether, on current evidence, BREN+AVD is cost-effective relative to ABVD as frontline therapy in patients with advanced HL. METHODS: We constructed a probabilistic Markov model with two arms and six mutually exclusive health states, using six-month cycle lengths, and a 15-year time horizon. Time-dependent transition probabilities were calculated from 'real-world' data collected by the BC Cancer's Centre for Lymphoid Cancer database or from the literature for ABVD. Time-dependent transition probabilities for BREN+AVD were taken from the ECHELON-1 trial. We estimated the incremental cost and effects per patient of each therapy and calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Costs were measured in 2018 Canadian dollars and effects measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). A probabilistic analysis was used to generate a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve (CEAC). RESULTS: The incremental cost between standard therapy with ABVD and therapy with BREN+AVD was estimated to be $192,336. The regimen of BREN+AVD resulted in a small benefit in terms of QALYs (0.46 QALYs). The estimated ICER was $418,122 per QALY gained. The probabilistic analysis suggests very few (8%) simulations fall below $100,000 per QALY. Even at a threshold of $200,000 per QALY gained, there was only a 24% chance that BREN+AVD would be considered cost-effective. Sensitivity analyses evaluating price reductions for brentuximab showed that these reductions needed to be in excess of 70% for this regimen to be cost-effective at a threshold of $100,000 per QALY. CONCLUSIONS: There may be a clinical benefit associated with BREN+AVD, but on current evidence the benefit is not adequately substantive compared to ABVD therapy given the cost of brentuximab vedotin. Agencies responsible for making decisions about BREN+AVD as frontline therapy for patients with advanced HL should consider whether they are willing to implement this treatment given the current uncertainty and cost-benefit profile, or negotiate substantial price-reductions from the manufacturer should they choose to reimburse.

Assessment of Radiation Doses Delivered to Organs at Risk Among Patients With Early-Stage Favorable Hodgkin Lymphoma Treated With Contemporary Radiation Therapy.

Importance: Response-adapted randomized trials have used positron emission tomography-computed tomography to attempt to identify patients with early-stage favorable Hodgkin lymphoma (ESFHL) who could be treated with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) without radiation therapy (RT). While maximal efficacy is demonstrated with combined modality therapy, RT is often omitted in fear of late adverse effects; however, the application of modern RT could limit these toxic effects. Objective: To determine the radiation doses delivered to organs at risk with modern involved-site RT among patients with ESFHL treated with 20 Gy after 2 cycles of ABVD. Design, Setting, and Participants: This case series included 42 adult patients with ESFHL (according to the German Hodgkin Study Group criteria) who were treated between 2010 and 2019, achieved complete response by positron emission tomography-computed tomography (1-3 on 5-point scale) following 2 cycles of ABVD, and then received consolidative RT. The study was conducted at a single comprehensive cancer center. Exposures: 2 cycles of chemotherapy followed by 20-Gy involved-site RT. Main Outcomes and Measures: The medical records of patients with ESFHL were examined. Organs at risk were contoured, and doses were calculated. Progression-free survival, defined from date of diagnosis to disease progression, relapse, or death, and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The cohort comprised 42 patients with ESFHL (median [range] age at diagnosis, 35 [18-74] years; 18 [43%] women; 24 [57%] with stage II disease). At a median follow-up of 44.6 (95% CI, 27.6-61.6) months, the 3-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 91.2% (95% CI, 74.9%-97.1%) and 97.0% (95% CI, 80.4%-99.6%), respectively. The mean heart dose was less than 5 Gy (mean, 0.8 Gy; SD, 1.5 Gy; range, 0-4.8 Gy) in all patients. The mean (SD) breast dose for both breasts was 0.1 (0.2) Gy (left breast range, 0-1.0 Gy; right breast range, 0-0.9 Gy). Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, combined modality therapy with 2 cycles of ABVD and 20 Gy for ESFHL was highly effective and avoided excess doses to organs at risk, which may limit long-term toxic effects.

Quantitative assessment of interim PET in Hodgkin lymphoma: An evaluation of the qPET method in adult patients in the RAPID trial.

AIM: qPET is a quantitative method used to assess FDG-PET response in lymphoma. qPET was developed using 898 scans from children with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) in the EuroNet-PHL-C1 (C1) trial. The aim of this study was to determine if qPET could be applied as an alternative response method in adults in the RAPID trial. METHODS: PET-CT scans performed after 3 cycles of ABVD in RAPID were re-evaluated by an independent reader, blinded to PET results and outcome in RAPID. All initially involved regions were assessed visually and by qPET. The distribution of qPET measurements was compared for RAPID and C1 patients. Previously published qPET thresholds corresponding to visual DS (vDS) of 1-5 in C1 were used to derive quantitative DS (qDS) for RAPID patients. RESULTS: PET-CT scans were available for 450 patients from RAPID. vDS were 1 (171 scans), 2 (153 scans), 3 (72 scans), 4 (31 scans) and 5 (23 scans) respectively. The distribution of qPET values was similar to C1 patients, with a unimodal 'normal' distribution and a long tail to the right, suggestive of favorable response in the majority and less favorable response in the minority with outlying values. qPET thresholds from C1 applied in RAPID patients gave 86% concordance for vDS and qDS. There was 97% concordance for complete metabolic response (CMR; DS 1-3) vs. no-CMR using the Lugano classification. CONCLUSION: qPET which was developed in pediatric patients receiving more intensive OEPA chemotherapy, was a suitable quantitative method for assessing response in adult patients treated with ABVD in a response-adapted setting in the RAPID trial.