30May

ASCO: Results of HALO Trial

Brentuximab vedotin and bendamustine as first-line treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma in the elderly (HALO Trial)


Abstract No : 8029

Abstract Type : Poster Discussion Session

Indication : Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL)

Intervention : Brentuximab vedotin

Company : Seattle Genetics

Technology : ADC


Results:

Between July 2015 and February 2019, 59/60 p. consecutive enrolled received at least 1 Be-BV cycle, and are valuable for primary endpoint. One p. was excluded because a histological review showing angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma. The mean age was 70.32 (62-79), and M/F ratio 41/18. The Ann-Arbor stage was IIB in 12, III in 14 and IV in 33 patients, B-symptoms (y/n) 40/19. IPS was 0-2 in 19 and ≥ 3 in 40 p., P.S. (ECOG) was 0-1 in 53, 2 in 6 p., nonetheless most of them were frail, as ADL was ≥ 6 in 47 (79%) and IADL was ≥ 8 in 42 (71%) p. Most frequent co-morbidities were cardio-vascular disease (45) metabolism disorders (31) prostatic adenoma (11). 163 treatment-related adverse events (WHO 3-4) were recorded: neutropenia and lymphopenia, (134), infections (7), cutaneous reactions (5), liver toxicity (2). No case of grade > 2 peripheral neuropathy was recorded. Out of 59 p., 41 concluded and 18 interrupted the treatment for toxicity (8), progression (5), treatment failure (2), CMV reactivation (3). The latter was recorded in 17 p., 12/17 received valgancyclovir. 4 p. died with CMV viremia. After a mean follow-up of 20.6 (0.3-46.5) months, 37/59 (63%) were in CR, while 22 (37%) have progressed (5) or relapsed (17). The 2-y OS and PFS in ITT analysis were 83% (95% CI 71-96) and 54% (95% CI 41-72) and in PP 89% (95%CI 75-100) and 78% (95%CI 64-96), respectively. 22 p. had a PFS event: 5 progression (2 deaths), 17 relapse (8 deaths). 10 p. died for recurrent HL (5), sepsis (1), secondary malignancy (2), respiratory insufficiency (1) and unknown (1).


Conclusion:

The Be-BV combination, a novel anthracycline-free regiment for first line treatment of HL in elderly, proved effective in unselected, frail, poor-risk, HL p. aged more than 60 in daily hospital real life. The CMV reactivation is frequent and should be treated with preemptive antiviral therapy upon detection of CMV DNA in plasma.


Commentary:

2 ys OS and PFS in ITT population was 84% and 55% with CMV activation in ~30% patients warrants further study with strict CMV monitoring


Refer to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Market report for detailed Insights.