Adcetris, also known as brentuximab vedotin, is used to treat specific types of cancers.
Cancers Treated by Adcetris
Adcetris is primarily used to target cancerous cells, with a focus on particular lymphomas. These include:
- Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Adcetris is used when Hodgkin's lymphoma persists after other treatments or when it returns.
- Systemic Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (sALCL): Adcetris treats this aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, often when other treatments are ineffective.
- Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL): This is another type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma where Adcetris has shown effectiveness.
- Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (pcALCL): This rare lymphoma affects the skin and can be treated with Adcetris.
- CD30-expressing Mycosis Fungoides: Adcetris is also used for this rare type of lymphoma affecting the skin.
How Adcetris Works
The medication, brentuximab vedotin, functions by:
- Targeting CD30: Adcetris is an antibody-drug conjugate that specifically targets the CD30 protein found on the surface of certain cancerous cells.
- Slowing or Stopping Growth: By targeting these cells, the drug slows down or stops the growth of cancer cells.
Summary Table of Adcetris Uses
Cancer Type | Use Case |
---|---|
Hodgkin's Lymphoma | Relapsed or refractory disease |
Systemic Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma | When other treatments are ineffective |
Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma | Treatment for specific subtypes |
Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma | For this type of skin lymphoma |
CD30-expressing Mycosis Fungoides | Treatment for this specific skin lymphoma |
Adcetris is designed to be a targeted treatment, focusing specifically on cancerous cells expressing the CD30 protein. This helps minimize harm to healthy cells in the body, compared to traditional chemotherapy.