Continuous Exposure To Bendamustine (Bdm) Results In Stable Upregulation Of Cd30 And Increased Sensitivity To Brentuximab Vedotin (Bv) In Tumor Cells Of Hodgkin Lymphoma (Hl)

Background: Given the consistent antitumor activity and favorable toxicity profile in heavily pretreated patients, BDM represents a suitable platform for combination with target-based agents in the setting of recurrent HL. The anti-CD30 antibody-monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) conjugate brentuximab vedotin (BV) appears a most valuable candidate by coupling an impressive clinical activity with the lack of serious overlapping toxicities with BDM. While the combination of BDM and BV is being evaluated in Phase II studies, no information is available as to possible mechanisms through which BDM may regulate the antitumor efficacy of BV towards HL cells.