Authors' objectives: Brentuximab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprised of an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody attached by an enzyme-cleavable linker to the antimicrotubule agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). The ADC employs a novel linker system that is designed to be stable in the bloodstream but to release MMAE upon internalisation into CD30-expressing tumor cells. Brentuximab vedotin is intended for use as a second line treatment for relapsed or refractory CD30-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). It is administered intravenously (IV) at 1.8mg/kg over 30 minutes every 21 days for a maximum of 16 cycles. CTCL is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that affects the skin. It is caused by the uncontrolled growth of T-lymphocytes. Many types of CTCL start as flat red patches (tumours) on the skin, which may be itchy and sometimes painful. Some people with CTCL experience swelling of the lymph nodes. About half of those diagnosed with CTCL have mycosis fungoides: a very slow growing form of CTCL. Patches may appear anywhere on the body but are commonly found on the chest, abdomen, back and buttocks. These abnormal areas of skin may form scaly raised patches, called plaques. Cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (c-ALCL) is one of the less common subtypes of T-cell lymphoma and belongs to the group of primary cutaneous CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders. ALCL can initially appear in the skin, lymph nodes, or in organs throughout the body. The characteristic features of primary c-ALCL include the appearance of solitary or multiple raised red skin lesions that do not go away, have a tendency to ulcerate, and may itch. The UK incidence of CTCL is around 0.4 per 100,000 population. In 2013-14, there were 206 hospital admissions due to mycosis fungoides in England, equating to 230 finished consultant episodes and 1,075 bed days; there were a further 38 hospital admissions due to primary cutaneous CD30-positive T-cell proliferations (including primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma), equating to 42 finished consultant episodes and 69 bed days. Brentuximab vedotin is currently undergoing two phase II clinical trials and one phase III clinical trial assessing its effect on disease progression. All trials are expected to be complete by June 2016.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2015

URL for published report: http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/topics/brentuximab-vedotin-adcetris-for-cd30-positive-cutaneous-t-cell-lymphoma/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre (NIHR HSC)