Positive Adcetris data in pediatric patients presented at EMCC

Seattle Genetics, along with partner Takeda Pharmaceutical, presented data this weekend at the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress (EMCC) regarding the very recently approved Hodgkin's lymphoma / anaplastic large cell lymphoma treatment Adcetris, an anti-CD30 antibody drug conjugate (ADC).

They presented the results of a handful of very small Phase I and Phase II trials testing the safety and efficacy of Adcetris in pediatric patients—an indication for which the treatment has not been approved in either Europe or the United States.

The trials featured a total of nine pediatric patients. 5 had been diagnosed with Hodgkin's and 4 with anaplastic large cell lymphoma. All patients had failed at least one prior combination chemotherapy regimen.

The trials did not produce any data that showed efficacy in terms of overall survival or patient-reported outcomes. Instead, the data specifically looked at response rates.

- 4 of 4 patients with anaplastic large cell lymphoma achieved a complete response and were in full remission after treatment with Adcetris.

- 2 of 5 patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma achieved a complete response and were in full remission after treatment with Adcetris.

- The remaining 3 patients achieved 'stable disease'.

- Of the 6 patients who achieved a complete response, 5 were still in remission after follow-ups ranging between 3 to 15 months.

The most frequently reported side effects were: Nausea, peripheral neuropathy, and fatigue.

Further Reading

EMCC 2011