Brentuximab vedotin in refractory CD30+ lymphomas: a bridge to allogeneic transplantation in approximately one quarter of patients treated on a Named Patient Programme at a single UK center

The CD30-targeted agent brentuximab vedotin has shown impressive activity in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma in phase II studies. We have treated 24 patients with relapsed/refractory disease enrolled onto a Named Patient Programme during 2010-11 at a single UK center. Overall response rate across all histologies was 67% (Hodgkin 72%; anaplastic large cell 60%), complete response rate 25% (Hodgkin 17%; anaplastic large cell 60%), median progression-free survival 5.1 months, and toxicity mild to moderate in the majority of cases. Six patients proceeded to allogeneic transplantation and one patient awaits this procedure. These results are similar to phase II data and show that brentuximab vedotin provides a bridge to allogeneic transplantation in approximately one quarter of patients refractory to conventional salvage therapies. Best response was seen after four doses, so consideration of allogeneic transplantation should be made early and scheduled following the first assessment indicating response.