Targeting CD30 in hodgkin lymphoma: antibody-drug conjugates make a difference

CD30 expression is characteristic of the malignant Reed-Sternberg cell in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and several other lymphoid malignancies, such as anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL). Although unconjugated anti-CD30 antibodies have had minimal therapeutic activity in patients with HL as single agents, the CD30-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) brentuximab vedotin has demonstrated activity that has resulted in its recent regulatory approval for the treatment of patients with relapsed HL and ALCL. Approximately 75% of patients with recurrent HL achieve objective responses, with the principal toxicity being peripheral neuropathy. Ongoing studies are evaluating treatment with this agent as part of first-line therapy, for patients with relapsed disease, and for patients with resistant disease and limited other options. Brentuximab vedotin demonstrates the therapeutic value of antibody-drug conjugation and serves as a model of how a novel, targeted approach can be employed to potentially further improve outcomes in settings where curative chemotherapeutic regimens are already available.