Durable complete remission after brentuximab vedotin in a patient with relapsed and refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

We present a case of a 23-year-old female patient with relapsed classical Hodgkin lymphoma in reduced general condition. She was refractory after multiple lines of prior chemotherapy including autologous stem cell transplantation. By applying a targeted therapy concept using brentuximab vedotin (SGN-35), the patient experienced a rapid clinical improvement with loss of B symptoms immediately after the first treatment cycle. Elevated serum levels for C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) returned to normal, and a significant improvement of hemoglobin levels were observed. Moreover, after administration of 16 cycles, the patient remains in complete remission, lasting now for > 15 months. Tolerability of treatment was excellent without evidence of infections or peripheral neuropathy. This case illustrates the clinical potential of brentuximab vedotin in patients with end-stage Hodgkin lymphoma who would otherwise have only limited treatment options.