Yesterday, the US FDA announced the approval of Seattle Genetics’ antibody-drug conjugate Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) in combination with chemotherapy for patients with previously treated stage III or IV classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cHL). This approval represents an improvement in the initial treatment plan for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma that was introduced into clinical practice more than 40 years ago.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. The immune system helps the body fight infections and diseases. Lymphoma can develop almost anywhere in the body and can spread to nearby lymph nodes. It is divided into two types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Most patients with Hodgkin lymphoma belong to the classic type. In this type of lymph node, there are large abnormal lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). Called Reed-Sternberg cells. Through early intervention, patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually get long-term remission.
In a clinical trial, the potential of Adcetris to treat classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma was validated-the researchers recruited 1,334 treated patients who had previously received an average of 6 courses of 28-day cycles before. Subsequently, they were divided into two groups, one group received Adcetris and chemotherapy (AVD), and the other group received only chemotherapy (ABVD). Studies have shown that patients who receive combination therapy have a 23% lower risk of disease progression, death, or the need to start new treatment compared to patients who only receive chemotherapy.
Adcetris combines antibodies and drugs, allowing antibodies to direct drugs to lymphoma cells called CD30, approved for treatment of relapsed classic Hodgkin lymphoma, classic Hodgkin lymphoma with high risk of relapse or progression after stem cell transplantation, accepted Systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma that other treatments are not effective, and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma that does not work with other treatments.
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm601935.htm
