How it is administered

Brentuximab vedotin is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning it is administered directly into a vein over 30 minutes. It is supplied as a powder that is reconstituted and diluted for infusion. The dosage and schedule depend on the specific condition being treated, but for previously untreated peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), including systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) and other CD30-expressing PTCLs, it is typically given every 3 weeks in combination with chemotherapy for 6 to 8 cycles.

How it works

Brentuximab vedotin is a targeted therapy known as an antibody-drug conjugate. It works by combining an antibody that specifically recognizes the CD30 protein (found on the surface of certain lymphoma cells) with a chemotherapy drug called MMAE (monomethyl auristatin E), which disrupts cell division. When brentuximab vedotin binds to CD30 on cancer cells, it is taken into the cell, where the MMAE is released. MMAE then interferes with the cell's microtubule network, causing the cancer cell to stop dividing and eventually die.

This targeted approach helps deliver the chemotherapy directly to the cancer cells while limiting exposure to healthy cells, which may help reduce some side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. Additionally, brentuximab vedotin may also help the immune system recognize and remove cancer cells through a process called antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis.

Who Should take it

Brentuximab vedotin is indicated for adults with previously untreated systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) or other CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL), including angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and PTCL not otherwise specified, in combination with chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone).

It is also used for other types of blood cancers, such as classical Hodgkin lymphoma and certain types of large B-cell lymphoma, but its use in PTCL is specifically for patients whose cancer cells express the CD30 protein. Your doctor may recommend this medication based on the type and stage of your lymphoma, as well as your overall health and treatment goals.

Who should not take it

Brentuximab vedotin should not be used in combination with bleomycin, as this can cause serious lung toxicity. It should also be avoided in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) or moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C), as these conditions increase the risk of serious side effects.

Patients who have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to brentuximab vedotin or any of its components should not take this medication. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid this drug, as it can cause harm to an unborn baby. Breastfeeding is also not recommended during treatment.

Commonly used with

For peripheral T-cell lymphoma, brentuximab vedotin is commonly used in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (the CHP regimen). It may also be used with other chemotherapy agents for different types of blood cancers.

Commonly tested with

Brentuximab vedotin has been tested in combination with various chemotherapy regimens, including CHP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone) for PTCL, and with AVD (doxorubicin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) for Hodgkin lymphoma. For large B-cell lymphoma, it has been studied with lenalidomide and rituximab.