Paradigm Shifts in Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment: From Frontline Therapies to Relapsed Disease

Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2024 Jun;44(3):e433502. doi: 10.1200/EDBK_433502.

Abstract

Combination chemotherapy with or without radiation has served as the primary therapeutic option for classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), leading to durable remission in a majority of patients with early- and advanced-stage cHL. Patients with relapsed/refractory (RR) cHL could still be cured with salvage chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) and the anti-PD-1-blocking antibodies, nivolumab and pembrolizumab, are highly effective treatments for cHL and have revolutionized the management of the disease. Recent studies incorporating BV and PD-1 blockade into salvage therapy for RR cHL and into frontline treatment regimens have changed the cHL treatment paradigm. The novel agents are also useful in the treatment of older patients who have poor outcomes with traditional therapy. This manuscript will review current strategies for approaching the management of previously untreated, RR, and challenging populations with cHL, including how to incorporate the novel agents.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disease Management
  • Hodgkin Disease* / drug therapy
  • Hodgkin Disease* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Recurrence
  • Salvage Therapy / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors