It is important to improve the treatment landscape for various types of cancer. Currently, there is a wealth of research searching for cancer cures. Until that happens, though, we must provide people with cancer with the best options to increase their survival and stop the cancer from progressing. Cancer Network reports that combining conventional chemotherapy (ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide) with pembrolizumab (marketed under the brand name Keytruda) could improve outcomes for people with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma.
The Phase 2 Study
Researchers explored this combination within a Phase 2 clinical trial. In particular, they wanted to identify whether pembrolizumab and chemotherapy together benefited patients who were planning on having an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Altogether, 42 participants enrolled and 37 were evaluable. Participants were given two cycles of intravenously administered pembrolizumab (200mg doses), as well as chemotherapy every 21 days. Next, stem cell mobilization occurred, followed by another cycle of pembrolizumab treatment.
In the study findings, published in JAMA Oncology, researchers reported a 97.3% overall response rate. This means that 97.3% of enrolled individuals had some response to treatment. 10.8% had partial responses (meaning that their cancer was reduced or stopped progressing). 86.5% had a complete response, which means they had no measurable signs of the disease. Additional findings show that:
- 87.2% of people experienced no disease progression over a 2-year period, with an overall survival rate of 95.1%.
- Side effects were fairly common with the pembrolizumab/chemotherapy combination. Some reactions included thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), lymphopenia (low lymphocyte count), leukopenia (low leukocyte count), neutropenia (low neutrophil count), and anemia (low red blood cell count). More serious side effects that may have been related to treatment included ventricular fibrillation and acute respiratory failure.
While these results are promising, more research is needed to determine if these findings can be replicated or supported.
About Hodgkin Lymphoma
Also called Hodgkin’s lymphoma or Hodgkin disease, Hodgkin lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, or part of the immune system. The lymphatic system consists of your lymph vessels, lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen, and thymus. Hodgkin lymphoma forms somewhere in the system—though, in later stages, it can progress to other areas of the body. The exact cause is unknown. Hodgkin lymphoma typically occurs between ages 15 to 40. This rare cancer accounts for less than 1% of all cancer cases in the United States and is typically treated with radiation and/or chemotherapy.
Symptoms related to Hodgkin lymphoma may, but do not always, include:
- Bone pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Itchy skin that worsens after bathing or consuming alcohol
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal or kidney abnormalities
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, chest, groin, or abdomen
- An enlarged spleen and/or liver
- Fever, chills, and drenching night sweats
