Treatment of relapsed classical Hodgkin lymphoma in the brentuximab vedotin era

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) relapses after or is refractory to upfront multiagent chemotherapy in 20%-30% of patients. Effective salvage therapy for relapsed or refractory HL is limited, and advancements are needed. Brentuximab vedotin (BV), an anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate, has demonstrated significant activity and manageable toxicities in advanced HL. Currently approved as a monotherapy for patients with HL that is relapsed or refractory to multiple lines of chemotherapy or autologous stem cell transplantation, BV is now being evaluated earlier in the course of disease and in combination with other therapies. This review discusses the successful translation of BV from its conception to the clinical setting and highlights ongoing trials that may ultimately expand its role in relapsed or refractory HL and improve outcomes for patients.