Brentuximab vedotin combined with cisplatin, cytarabine, and dexamethasone treatment in transplant-eligible Korean patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma.

PURPOSE: Brentuximab vedotin (BV)-based combinations have shown promising results in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma (RRHL) in Western countries. We conducted a phase II study to further define the role of BV-based salvage therapy in transplant-eligible patients with RRHL in Korea.

METHODS

Transplant-eligible patients with RRHL were recruited to receive two cycles of BV (1.8 mg/kg) plus DHAP (cisplatin 100 mg/m2, cytarabine 2 g/m2, and dexamethasone 40 mg). Autologous stem cells were collected from non-progressive patients who received one more cycle of BV-DHAP. After three cycles, the responding patients underwent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). The primary endpoint was a complete metabolic response (CMR) rate after two cycles of BV-DHAP.

RESULTS

Between April 2022 and August 2024, seven lymphoma cases were recruited. Owing to slow accrual, the study was terminated early. Their median age was 30 years (range, 24-62 years). All patients received at least two cycles of BV-DHAP; the overall response rate (ORR) was 100%, and four patients showed CMR (57%). One patient withdrew consent after the second cycle, and the other six patients received one more cycle of BV-DHAP, resulting in five patients achieving CMR (71%). One patient failed to receive ASCT, and all five patients who received ASCT achieved post-transplant CMR with a 80% complete response (CR) over a 12-month duration. Thrombocytopenia was the most common grade 3 or higher grade hematologic adverse events (n = 5). Grade 2 nausea occurred in three patients. Three patients experienced dose reduction, and four patients experienced treatment delays.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite its encouraging early efficacy, the administration of BV-DHAP in Korean patients with RRHL requires careful monitoring due to toxicity concerns.