Description:
After decades of small incremental shifts in the management of classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), recent studies have accelerated the pace of change in the treatment of cHL. While brentuximab vedotin (BV) has become a standard part of initial treatment for advanced stage disease, studies using PD-1 blockade in the frontline setting are leading to a re-examination of the role of these novel agents for the treatment of cHL. Meanwhile, the novel agents have led to improved outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory cHL, leading to questions about the timing and role of stem cell transplantation and whether novel therapies alone can lead to durable remission. Dr. Lynch will address whether recent studies using PD1 blockade in frontline treatment of cHL have established a new standard of care for cHL. Dr. Advani will examine the role of BV in the initial treatment of cHL as well as for relapsed/refractory cHL in light of the recent studies in the frontline and salvage setting. Dr. Perales will discuss the evolving role of stem cell transplantation for cHL, optimal salvage regimens, timing and patient selection.