Dr. Hutchings on Subgroup Analysis of ECHELON-1 in Hodgkin Lymphoma

Martin Hutchings, MD, PhD, staff specialist, Department of Hematology, Finsen Centre, National Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, discusses a subgroup analysis of the ECHELON-1 study in Hodgkin lymphoma.

In March 2018, the FDA approved brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) for use in combination with chemotherapy as a frontline treatment for adult patients with stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma based on findings from the phase III ECHELON-1 study. Brentuximab vedotin plus doxorubicin (Adriamycin), vinblastine, and dacarbazine (A+AVD) demonstrated superior progression-free survival (PFS) compared with standard doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD).

Findings from the subgroup analysis of this study showed that when given in the frontline setting, A+AVD elicits a more favorable median PFS for patients with high-risk disease, which was defined as stage IV disease, ≥1 extranodal disease sites, or having an International Prognostic Score of 4 to 7. Results suggest that high-risk patients may derive greater benefit with A+AVD as opposed to ABVD.