Recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma: toward a new definition of candidates for autologous stem cell transplant in the era of positron emission tomography scan and novel agents. Issue 7 (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pinto, Antonello; Corradini, Paolo; Mussetti, Alberto; Zinzani, Pier Luigi
• Is Part Of: Leukemia & lymphoma. Volume 56:Issue 7(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 1969
• Page End: 1974
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Leukemia -- Periodicals; Lymphomas -- Periodicals; 616.99419
• DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2014.981174
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1042-8194

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Standard treatment for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) unresponsive to upfront therapy or relapsing after primary treatment (RR-HL) consists of salvage chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). ASCT outcomes are essentially related to two factors: disease burden at the time of transplant and comorbidity status of the patient. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a very sensitive diagnostic instrument to measure disease status. In fact, a negative PET status before ASCT is a well-known positive prognostic factor in patients with RR-HL. The recent introduction of the biologically targeted agent brentuximab vedotin has allowed us to treat RR-HL more efficaciously with less toxicity for the patient. Use of this new agent could help achieve a PET-negative status before ASCT in a larger percentage of patients, without severe toxicities, thereby improving ASCT outcomes. Herein we discuss the current evolving scenario of RR-HL treatment.</p> </abstract>