Brentuximab vedotin in Hodgkin lymphoma treatment | CION Cancer Clinics

Brentuximab vedotin is a targeted drug that carries chemotherapy straight to Hodgkin lymphoma cells. It is used in some first treatments for advanced disease, and more often when the lymphoma has come back or not responded to standard chemotherapy.

How it finds the lymphoma

The large abnormal cells of classical Hodgkin lymphoma, called Reed-Sternberg cells, carry a marker on their surface called CD30. Brentuximab is an antibody, a protein made to latch onto CD30. Attached to the antibody is a strong cell-killing drug. Once the antibody locks on, the cell takes the drug inside, and the drug stops it dividing.

Why that matters

Because the drug is delivered mostly to cells carrying CD30, it can work when ordinary chemotherapy has not. It is not free of side effects, though. Some of the drug reaches healthy nerves, which is why numbness and tingling are its most familiar problem.

Who it does not usually suit

It is not used together with bleomycin, because the two together caused serious lung damage. People who already have significant nerve damage, for example from diabetes, may not tolerate it well. It is also not a standard option for the nodular lymphocyte-predominant type, where the cells often lack CD30.

The most common problem is numbness, tingling or burning in the fingers and toes. It builds up over the course, and in some people it makes buttons, writing or walking harder.

Nerve symptoms

Report nerve symptoms early, even if they seem mild. Your team may adjust the treatment, delay a cycle or stop the drug, and acting early means they are more likely to improve. For many people the numbness eases over months after treatment ends, though it does not always go completely.

Low white cells and infection

When brentuximab is given with AVD, the infection-fighting white cells can drop sharply. Growth factor injections are often given to prevent this. A fever or shivering during treatment needs same-day hospital care.

Other effects

Tiredness, feeling sick, loose motions, hair thinning and rashes are also common. Rarely, it can cause inflammation of the pancreas, with severe pain in the upper belly, or raise blood sugar.

Reactions to the drip

A few people get chills, a rash, itching or breathlessness while the drip runs. Nurses can slow or pause it and give medicines to settle the reaction. If you had one before, you may be given preventive medicines before later cycles.