Dr. Yasenchak on the Safety Profile of Brentuximab Vedotin/Nivolumab in Hodgkin Lymphoma

Christopher A. Yasenchak, MD, associate chair of Hematology Research, Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center/US Oncology Research, discusses the safety profile of brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) plus nivolumab (Opdivo) in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Data from a phase 2 trial (NCT01716806) presented at the 2019 ASH Annual Meeting demonstrated that the combination had a suitable safety profile. Despite the addition of nivolumab, immune-mediated inflammatory toxicities were well managed with the use of steroids, says Yasenchak. Moreover, grade 3 treatment-related adverse events were rare.

Although neuropathy can be an issue with brentuximab vedotin, the incidence of neuropathy in the trial was low and resolved in the majority of patients. The average time until resolution was 22 weeks, says Yasenchak. In terms of infusion-related reactions, the majority were grade 1/2 and did not limit the ability to treat patients.