Adcetris

Adcetris is the brand name for brentuximab vedotin, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) used in the treatment of CD30-expressing lymphomas. It combines a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against CD30 with the microtubule-disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) via a protease-cleavable linker. After binding to CD30 on the surface of malignant cells, the complex is internalized; intracellular proteases release MMAE, which binds tubulin and blocks mitosis, triggering apoptosis.

In the United States, Adcetris has been approved for several indications in relapsed or refractory disease, including systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) after failure of at least one prior chemotherapy, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma following failure of autologous stem cell transplantation or after failure of at least two prior therapies. Approvals in other regions and additional indications may vary by country. The drug is typically administered by intravenous infusion every three weeks, with a body-weight-based or fixed dosing regimen (commonly 1.8 mg/kg per dose) for up to several cycles, depending on response and tolerability.

Common adverse effects include neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, anemia, and infections. Infusion-related reactions and elevated liver enzymes may occur, and serious hematologic toxicity can necessitate treatment discontinuation or dose modification. As with other cytotoxic agents, treatment requires regular monitoring of blood counts and clinical status.

Brentuximab vedotin was developed by Seattle Genetics (now Seagen) and is marketed under the Adcetris brand in collaboration with regional partners in various markets. It represents a targeted therapy approach for CD30-positive lymphomas, with ongoing research into combination regimens and extended indications.