Outcomes of Patients Treated with Brentuximab Vedotin in Relapsed or Refractory CD30 Positive Lymphomas; A Single Center Experience

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Brentuximab Vedotin ± Bendamustine in the management of relapsed or refractory CD30-positive lymphomas, including classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL).

Methodology: An observational retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan, from January 2021 to June 2022. Eligible participants were aged 17 or older with CD30-positive disease (cHL or sALCL), having undergone at least one prior chemotherapy regimen and experiencing relapse or refractory disease. Treatment involved Brentuximab Vedotin ± Bendamustine, and patients were assessed using PET-CT scans.

Results: Twenty-two patients received chemotherapy with Brentuximab Vedotin ± Bendamustine, comprising 19 with Hodgkin lymphoma and 3 with sALCL. Among them, 6 were in relapse, and 16 were refractory. At the end of treatment, 17 patients achieved complete response, 3 achieved partial response, and 1 had stable disease, yielding an overall response rate (ORR) of 90.9%. Nineteen patients survived, while 3 deceased. The median overall survival was 30 months. Commonly encountered side effects, including nausea, neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal disturbances, infusion reactions, and rash, were generally well tolerated.

Conclusions: Brentuximab Vedotin ± Bendamustine demonstrates effectiveness and tolerability in patients with relapsed or refractory cHL and sALCL, even in heavily pretreated individuals. In middle-income countries like Pakistan, affordability and accessibility play pivotal roles in determining patient eligibility for this treatment regimen.