How it is administered

Brentuximab vedotin is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it is delivered directly into your vein through a drip. The infusion usually takes about 30 minutes. It is supplied as a powder that is mixed with sterile water before being administered. The frequency and dosage depend on your specific condition, age, and whether it is used alone or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. For Hodgkin lymphoma, it may be given every 2 or 3 weeks, often in combination with other chemotherapy agents.

How it works

Brentuximab vedotin is a type of targeted cancer therapy known as an antibody-drug conjugate. It is designed to specifically target and kill cancer cells that express a protein called CD30, which is commonly found on the surface of Hodgkin lymphoma cells.

The medication combines an antibody (which recognizes and attaches to CD30 on cancer cells) with a potent chemotherapy drug (monomethyl auristatin E, or MMAE). Once the antibody binds to the CD30 protein, the entire complex is absorbed into the cancer cell. Inside the cell, the chemotherapy component is released, disrupting the cell's internal structure and leading to cell death. This targeted approach helps to minimize damage to healthy cells and focuses the treatment on cancerous cells, making it an effective option for certain blood cancers like Hodgkin lymphoma.

Who Should take it

Brentuximab vedotin is indicated for patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in several situations:

• Adults with previously untreated Stage III or IV cHL, in combination with chemotherapy.
• Pediatric patients (2 years and older) with previously untreated high-risk cHL, in combination with chemotherapy.
• Adults with cHL at high risk of relapse or progression after an autologous stem cell transplant (as consolidation therapy).
• Adults with cHL who have relapsed after a stem cell transplant or after at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens and are not candidates for a transplant.

It is also used for other CD30-expressing lymphomas, but its primary use in Hodgkin lymphoma is in the above scenarios. Your doctor will determine if brentuximab vedotin is appropriate for you based on your diagnosis, previous treatments, and overall health.

Who should not take it

Brentuximab vedotin should not be taken by patients who are also receiving bleomycin, as this combination can cause severe lung toxicity. It should also be avoided in patients with severe renal (kidney) impairment or moderate to severe hepatic (liver) impairment, as the risk of serious side effects is higher in these groups.

If you have a known allergy to any component of brentuximab vedotin, you should not receive this medication. Additionally, it is not recommended during pregnancy, as it can harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential and men with partners of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after the last dose. Always inform your healthcare provider about your full medical history before starting this medication.

Commonly used with

For Hodgkin lymphoma, brentuximab vedotin is commonly used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. In adults, it is often combined with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD regimen). In pediatric patients, it may be combined with doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, and cyclophosphamide (AVEPC regimen).

It may also be used with other agents in different types of lymphomas, depending on the specific diagnosis and treatment plan.

Commonly tested with

Brentuximab vedotin has been tested in combination with a variety of chemotherapy agents, especially for Hodgkin lymphoma. Clinical trials have evaluated its use with:

• Doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD) in adults
• Doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, and cyclophosphamide (AVEPC) in children
• Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (CHP) for other lymphomas

It has also been studied as a single agent and in combination with other drugs for relapsed or refractory disease. Your doctor will select the best combination based on your specific situation.