Long-term results of brentuximab vedotin and bendamustine for first-line treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma in the elderly (HALO trial).

What was studied

This trial tested bendamustine with brentuximab vedotin as first treatment. Patients were older adults with Hodgkin lymphoma. Older patients face a narrow gap between benefit and harm. No data existed for this pair as first-line care. The trial was early-stage and open-label. 57 patients took part. Mean age was 70.75. Most had advanced disease and many other illnesses.

What they found

A complete metabolic response was reached in 44 of 57 patients. At 6 years, most patients were alive. A smaller share stayed free of progression. These results came from the per-protocol analysis. A progression-free survival event occurred in 35 patients. These were 13 progressions, 13 relapses and 9 deaths.

What it means for patients

The authors say the pair works well in a full dose schedule. They say this holds for unselected, poor-risk older patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Why it is not certain yet

The abstract names no limits. Small trials give rough estimates. Only the full dose schedule was backed. Results came from the per-protocol analysis. The trial had 57 patients.

Source

Long-term results of brentuximab vedotin and bendamustine for first-line treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma in the elderly (HALO trial).

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