Brentuximab vedotin for the treatment of CD30+ lymphomas

Brentuximab vedotin is a novel antibody-drug conjugate consisting of the anti-CD30 antibody cAC10 chemically conjugated to monomethylauristatin E, a potent antimicrotubule agent. Preliminary response rates of 75% in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma and 87% in relapsed/refractory systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma were recently reported in large Phase II trials. Brentuximab vedotin is well tolerated with manageable side effects including peripheral sensory neuropathy. This antibody-drug conjugate is currently under investigation in numerous clinical trials, including in combination with front-line chemotherapy for high-risk Hodgkin's lymphoma and in a placebo-controlled, Phase III trial for patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma at high risk for residual disease following autologous stem cell transplant. The impressive response rates and limited toxicity of brentuximab vedotin are very promising for relapsed/refractory patients with few treatment options. In addition, the possibilities for incorporation into front-line therapies for both Hodgkin's lymphoma and systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma are intriguing.