An antibody-drug conjugate for certain lymphomas
Brentuximab vedotin
A targeted treatment used for certain lymphomas, combining an antibody with a chemotherapy drug.
What is Brentuximab vedotin?
Brentuximab vedotin is a targeted cancer treatment used for certain lymphomas, such as Hodgkin lymphoma and some other lymphomas that carry a marker called CD30. It is an antibody-drug conjugate, meaning an antibody that homes in on the cancer is joined to a chemotherapy drug, delivering treatment more directly to the cancer cells. It is given as a drip into a vein in hospital. The most important side effect is nerve damage causing tingling, numbness or weakness, along with a fall in blood cells, infusion reactions and a rare but serious brain infection called PML. It can harm an unborn baby, so contraception is important.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Brentuximab vedotin — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Brentuximab vedotin is a targeted cancer therapy known as an antibody-drug conjugate. It is used to treat certain lymphomas, including Hodgkin lymphoma and some other lymphomas, that carry a surface marker called CD30. It combines an antibody, which seeks out the CD30 marker on cancer cells, with a chemotherapy drug attached to it, so the chemotherapy is delivered more directly to the cancer. It is given as an infusion into a vein in hospital, in cycles, under the care of a cancer specialist team, sometimes on its own and sometimes with other treatments.
How it works
The antibody part of brentuximab vedotin recognises and attaches to the CD30 marker found on certain lymphoma cells. Once attached, it is drawn inside the cancer cell, where the chemotherapy drug is released to disrupt the cell's internal structure and cause it to die. By targeting cells carrying CD30, it aims to focus the chemotherapy more on the cancer, although healthy cells can still be affected, which is why side effects occur. It is given in cycles so the body can recover between doses, and blood counts and nerve symptoms are checked along the way.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A specialist targeted treatment used in the UK for certain lymphomas, given as a drip into a vein in hospital under a cancer specialist.
Practical use
How to take Brentuximab vedotin
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given as a drip into a vein in hospital by your cancer team, in cycles, not taken at home.
- Report any tingling, numbness, pins and needles or weakness in your hands or feet early, as the dose may need changing.
- Report any fever or sign of infection straight away, as your blood cells and defences can be lowered.
- Tell your team at once about new confusion, weakness, or changes in your thinking, vision or speech, as these can signal a serious brain infection.
- Use reliable contraception during treatment and for the time your team advises, as it can harm an unborn baby.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Brentuximab vedotin
Advantages
- A targeted treatment that delivers chemotherapy more directly to lymphoma cells carrying the CD30 marker.
- An effective option for Hodgkin lymphoma and certain other lymphomas.
- Given in cycles with rest periods to allow recovery between doses.
Disadvantages
- Can cause nerve damage with tingling, numbness or weakness that may build up over time.
- Lowers blood cells and can cause infusion reactions and a higher risk of infection.
- Carries a rare but serious risk of a brain infection called PML.
Practical use
Good to know
The most important side effect to watch for is nerve damage, called peripheral neuropathy, which causes tingling, numbness, pins and needles or weakness, usually in the hands and feet; it can build up over time, so report it early as the dose may need adjusting. It also lowers blood cells, raising the risk of serious infection, so any fever needs urgent attention. Reactions can occur during the infusion, so the team monitors you closely. A rare but very serious risk is a brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which can cause confusion, weakness or changes in thinking, vision or speech, so report any such new symptoms straight away. It can also harm an unborn baby, so reliable contraception during and after treatment is important. Combining it with certain other medicines can increase lung problems, which your team will manage.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to brentuximab vedotin should not receive it.
- It is not used in pregnancy because it can harm an unborn baby, and breastfeeding is avoided.
- It is generally not combined with a lung-toxic medicine called bleomycin, because this raises the risk of serious lung problems.
Monitoring
- Checking for nerve symptoms such as tingling, numbness or weakness at each visit.
- Regular blood counts and checks for infection during treatment.
- Watching for infusion reactions and for any signs of a serious brain infection.
Side effects
- Nerve damage with tingling, numbness, pins and needles or weakness, usually in the hands and feet.
- A fall in blood cells, causing tiredness, a higher risk of infection and easier bruising or bleeding.
- Infusion reactions, nausea, diarrhoea and tiredness.
- Rarely but seriously, a brain infection called PML, which needs symptoms reported straight away.
Key interactions
- Combining it with the lung medicine bleomycin raises the risk of serious lung problems and is avoided.
- Some medicines can raise its levels and increase side effects, so your team reviews your medicines.
- Live vaccines are generally avoided during treatment because the immune system can be weakened.
Available as: A powder made up into a drip given into a vein in hospital.
Answers
Brentuximab vedotin: frequently asked questions
What is brentuximab vedotin used for?
It is a targeted treatment used for certain lymphomas, such as Hodgkin lymphoma and some others, that carry a marker called CD30.
What is an antibody-drug conjugate?
It is an antibody that homes in on cancer cells joined to a chemotherapy drug, so the chemotherapy is delivered more directly to the cancer.
Why might my hands and feet feel tingly?
It can cause nerve damage leading to tingling, numbness or weakness, usually in the hands and feet; report it early, as the dose may need adjusting.
What is PML?
PML is a rare but serious brain infection that can cause confusion, weakness or changes in thinking, vision or speech, so report any such new symptoms straight away.
Can I be treated while pregnant?
No. It can harm an unborn baby, so reliable contraception is important during treatment and for the time your team advises.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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