An evaluation of pembrolizumab for classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Issue 4 (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manji, Farheen; Laister, Rob C; Kuruvilla, John
• Is Part Of: Expert review of hematology. Volume 15:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 285
• Page End: 293
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: Classical hodgkin's lymphoma -- pembrolizumab -- autologous stem cell transplant -- immune checkpoint inhibitors -- lymphoma -- PD-1 inhibitors -- anti-PD-1 antibodies; Hematology -- Periodicals; 616.15005
• DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2022.2061947
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-4086

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Pembrolizumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) targeted against the programmed death 1 (PD-1) pathway, a key pathway in the biology of Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Anti-PD-1 antibodies are approved for use in relapsed/refractory cHL but ongoing studies continue to optimize the use of this treatment. Areas Covered: This review highlights recent and established data regarding pembrolizumab in the management of relapsed/refractory cHL and emerging areas of study including translational biology, combinations with chemotherapy and trials earlier in the disease course Expert Opinion: Pembrolizumab provides superior progression-free survival for patients with cHL who relapse post-autologous stem cell transplant or who have chemotherapy refractory disease and should be used in these high-risk populations. A key challenge remains the development of predictive biomarkers for anti-PD1 antibodies. There is promising evidence of the improved efficacy of salvage chemotherapy regimens and frontline regimens incorporating pembrolizumab but larger randomized studies are needed to demonstrate clear patient benefit.