Brentuximab vedotin for treating Hodgkin's lymphoma: an analysis of pharmacology and clinical efficacy.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is a highly curable lymphoma with a 70 - 90% long-term survival; however, patients with relapsed or refractory disease may need additonal therapies and have significantly worse prognosis. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an anti-CD-30 antibody-drug conjugate, which was approved for treating classical HL patients following autologous stem cell transplantation or failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapies within a year. AREAS COVERED Current clinical trials are investigating the role of BV in frontline, salvage and adjuvant setting of treatment. Safety and efficacy results of completed trials are summarized in this review. Metabolic, pharmacokinetic issues of BV are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION BV is a targeted therapeutic option for treating HL, which is a significant improvement compared to conventional multiagent chemotherapy. It may represent a valid option for heavily pretreated patients. Currently running clinical trials are seeking a role for BV in the first-line setting, as well as treating autologous stem cell transplant candidate patients, relapsing after autologous stem cell transplant, bridging to allogenic stem cell transplant and treating elderly patients. Indication of drug may change, expand and an exact role may be established in the upcoming 5 years based on the results of currently running trials.