brentuximab vedotin at a glance
Medicine class
CD30-directed antibody–drug conjugate
Main uses
Selected CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Administration
Given into a vein by a specialist cancer team after preparation and dilution
Important monitoring
Blood counts, liver function, nerve symptoms, infection and infusion reactions
What is brentuximab vedotin used for?
UK-licensed uses in adults include:
Previously untreated CD30-positive stage III or IV Hodgkin lymphoma with AVD chemotherapy.
Previously untreated CD30-positive stage IIB Hodgkin lymphoma with risk factors, or stage III or IV disease, as part of BrECADD chemotherapy.
CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma with increased risk of relapse or progression after an autologous stem-cell transplant.
Relapsed or treatment-resistant CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma after an autologous stem-cell transplant, or after at least two previous treatments when transplant or multi-agent chemotherapy is unsuitable.
Previously untreated systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma with CHP chemotherapy.
Relapsed or treatment-resistant systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
CD30-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma after at least one previous systemic treatment.
How does brentuximab vedotin work?
The antibody binds to CD30 on the lymphoma cell and is taken inside. Its attached agent, MMAE, is released and disrupts microtubules needed for cell division, leading to cell death.
brentuximab vedotin preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 50 mg
How to take brentuximab vedotin
Brentuximab vedotin is prepared and given as an intravenous infusion by trained healthcare professionals. It must not be given as a rapid intravenous injection, mixed with other medicines in the same infusion or self-administered. Food instructions do not apply because it is not taken by mouth.
Tell the treatment team promptly about symptoms during or after the infusion.
Report pain, redness, swelling or blistering around the infusion site immediately.
Give the team an up-to-date list of prescribed, non-prescribed and complementary products.
brentuximab vedotin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Numbness, tingling, burning pain or weakness caused by peripheral neuropathy
- Infections and reduced neutrophil counts
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation or abdominal discomfort
- Tiredness, fever or weight loss
- Rash or itching
- Cough or breathlessness
- Muscle or joint pain
- Infusion-related reactions
- Hair loss, particularly with combination chemotherapy
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe infection or febrile neutropenia
- Anaphylaxis or another severe infusion reaction
- New neurological, cognitive or behavioural symptoms that could indicate progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
- Acute pancreatitis, often with new or worsening abdominal pain
- New or worsening lung symptoms
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread rash
- Serious liver injury
- Severe gastrointestinal inflammation, obstruction, bleeding or perforation
- Tumour lysis syndrome
brentuximab vedotin in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are lacking, and animal studies found reproductive toxicity. Brentuximab vedotin should generally be avoided during pregnancy unless a specialist judges that the potential benefit outweighs fetal risk. Discuss pregnancy, planned pregnancy and contraception with the cancer team before treatment. Product information advises two effective contraceptive methods during treatment and for six months afterwards.
brentuximab vedotin while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether brentuximab vedotin or its metabolites enter human milk, and risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. A specialist must decide whether to stop breastfeeding or withhold treatment, balancing potential exposure against the importance of treatment for the mother.
brentuximab vedotin interactions
The cancer team should review all medicines before treatment. Important product-specific interactions include:
Bleomycin
Combined use is contraindicated because unacceptable, sometimes fatal, lung toxicity has occurred.
Strong CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein inhibitors, such as ketoconazole
These can increase exposure to MMAE and may increase the likelihood of neutropenia.
Strong CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampicin
Rifampicin may reduce measurable MMAE metabolite concentrations, although available pharmacokinetic data are limited.
Common questions about brentuximab vedotin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is brentuximab vedotin chemotherapy or immunotherapy?
It is an antibody–drug conjugate: an antibody targets CD30, while its attached MMAE component kills the targeted cell by disrupting microtubules.
Why is CD30 important before treatment?
CD30 is the surface protein recognised by brentuximab vedotin. Its presence helps identify lymphomas that may be suitable for this targeted treatment.
Does brentuximab vedotin cause numbness or tingling?
Yes. Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, burning pain, altered sensation or weakness. Report symptoms early because treatment may need adjustment.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.