Brentuximab vedotin In patients with Hodgkin lymphoma
The BREVITY trial looks at a targeted cancer medicine called brentuximab vedotin for people diagnosed with classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Standard care usually involves strong chemotherapy drugs. However, these treatments can be too harsh for older adults, people who feel frail, or those living with other long-term illnesses such as heart conditions or breathing problems. Brentuximab vedotin works differently from regular chemotherapy. It attaches directly to a specific protein found on lymphoma cells to deliver treatment straight to the cancer, sparing more healthy cells. Doctors want to see how well this medicine works on its own and whether adjusting the number of doses based on regular scans helps control the disease safely. Taking part gives people who cannot cope with standard chemotherapy a chance to try a newer, potentially kinder treatment option while receiving close medical care from cancer specialists.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which is part of your body's immune system. Standard treatment usually involves strong chemotherapy medications. While these drugs can be very effective at curing or controlling the cancer, they are also tough on the body. For some people—especially older adults, people who feel frail, or those already dealing with heart disease, lung conditions, or diabetes—standard chemotherapy can be too dangerous to receive safely.
This clinical trial, called BREVITY, is testing a targeted medicine called brentuximab vedotin. Instead of affecting cells all over the body like traditional chemotherapy, this drug acts like a guided missile. It searches for a specific marker called CD30 on the surface of Hodgkin lymphoma cells. Once it finds them, it attaches and delivers a medicine directly inside the cancer cell to destroy it. This targeted approach aims to fight the lymphoma effectively while causing fewer harsh effects on the rest of the body.
In this study, researchers are also using a 'response-adapted' approach. This means your care team will use scans to see how quickly and completely your lymphoma responds to the treatment. They can then tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs. The goal of this research is to find a safer, kinder, and effective treatment pathway for people who are currently left with very few good options.
Key takeaways
- A study testing a targeted drug for people newly diagnosed with classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Specifically designed for people who cannot have standard chemotherapy due to age, frailty, or heart and lung issues.
- The drug aims to attack cancer cells directly while sparing more healthy tissue.
- Treatment plans may be tailored based on how well your lymphoma responds on scans.
- Taking part is completely voluntary and you can leave at any time.
Who may be eligible?
You may be able to join this study if you are 16 or older and have recently been diagnosed with classical Hodgkin lymphoma that tests positive for the CD30 marker. To take part, you must not have received any previous treatment for your lymphoma, and your cancer must show up clearly on standard medical scans.
This trial is specifically for people who cannot safely have standard chemotherapy. This might be because you have a heart problem, breathing difficulties, or other long-term health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes that make standard chemotherapy too risky. It also includes people aged 60 and over who are feeling less physically able or frail, leading their doctor to decide that standard chemotherapy is not a safe choice.
Your specialist doctor will carry out detailed health checks, including heart scans and breathing tests, to make sure this trial is safe and suitable for your individual circumstances before you agree to join.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged 16 or over.
- I have been diagnosed with CD30-positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
- I have not yet had any cancer treatment for this lymphoma.
- My doctor has advised that standard chemotherapy is not safe for me due to my age, frailty, or heart/lung health.
- I am willing to attend hospital visits for regular infusions, blood tests, and scans.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will receive brentuximab vedotin as a drip into a vein (an intravenous infusion) at your hospital clinic. Treatment is usually given in cycles every few weeks. How many doses you receive will depend on how your lymphoma responds to the medicine.
Throughout the study, you will have regular clinic visits. These will include physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging scans (such as PET or CT scans) to check how well the treatment is working and monitor your overall health. Your medical team will also keep a close eye on your heart and lung function.
After you finish the course of treatment, you will enter a follow-up period. You will continue to see your hospital team for check-ups to track your long-term health and make sure any lingering side effects are managed well. In total, being part of the trial may last for several months to a few years.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (13)
- The ChristieUnverifiedManchester, England
- Churchill HospitalUnverifiedOxford, England
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer CentreUnverifiedGlasgow, Scotland
- St James' HospitalUnverifiedLeeds, England
- Southampton General Hospital LaboratoryUnverifiedSouthampton, England
- Queen Elizabeth HospitalUnverifiedBirmingham, England
- Nottingham City HospitalUnverifiedNottingham, England
- Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - LiverpoolUnverifiedLiverpool, England
- Guys HospitalUnverifiedLondon, England
- Freeman Road HospitalUnverifiedNewcastle upon Tyne, England
- Leicester Royal InfirmaryUnverifiedLeicester, England
- Norfolk and Norwich University HospitalUnverifiedNorwich, England
Common questions
What is the difference between brentuximab vedotin and standard chemotherapy?
Standard chemotherapy travels through the entire body and can damage healthy cells along with cancer cells. Brentuximab vedotin is targeted; it seeks out a specific protein on the lymphoma cells to deliver medicine directly to them, which can be gentler on the rest of your body.
Will taking part cost me anything?
No. The study drug and all trial-related tests are provided free of charge through the NHS hospital running the trial. Some hospitals may also offer help with travel expenses.
How is the study medicine given?
It is given as a slow drip into a vein in your arm, usually in the hospital day unit, meaning you will not normally need to stay overnight.
Can I leave the study if I find it too difficult?
Yes. You are free to stop taking part at any point. Your doctors will support your decision and discuss other suitable care options with you.
Does this trial involve a dummy drug (placebo)?
No. This is an open trial looking at how well the drug works, so every person who joins will receive the active study medicine.
How to find out more
Eszter Nagy
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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