Brentuximab vedotin (BV) as post-autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) consolidation was shown to reduce the relapse risk among high-risk patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (RRHL) in the clinical trial setting. This systematic review and meta-analysis characterizes real-world evidence (RWE) on the effectiveness and safety of BV as post-ASCT consolidation in 1504 adult and pediatric patients with RRHL from 23 studies across 17 countries. A random-effects model yielded pooled progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival rates (OS); PFS: 2-year, 74.2%; 5-year, 65.8%; OS: 2-year, 95.8%; 5-year, 91.9%. The most common any-grade adverse events were neuropathy (34.2%) and neutropenia (20.2%). Despite heterogeneity in populations and outcomes, this analysis utilizing real-world data corroborates the efficacy and safety of BV as post-ASCT consolidation in RRHL reported in the experimental arm of the Phase III AETHERA trial. The favorable PFS results in cases exposed to BV prior to ASCT indicate the value of BV in controlling Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in the salvage setting. Continued research is essential to refine BV treatment strategies amid the evolving treatment landscape.
© 2025. The Author(s).