Novel combination therapy yields high response rates in early-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma

MD Anderson Research News April 27, 2026

• Phase 2 trial evaluated abbreviated chemotherapy plus brentuximab vedotin and nivolumab
• Combination achieved complete response in 92% of trial participants 
• Patients did not have to undergo radiation therapy and had abbreviated chemotherapy
• Results support a potential frontline option for early-stage cHL 

The combination of abbreviated chemotherapy with brentuximab vedotin and nivolumab achieved high response rates in patients with non-bulky, early-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), according to a new study from researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Results of the Phase 2 trial, led by Hun Lee, M.D., associate professor of Lymphoma, were published in Blood. By using this combination approach, researchers were able to omit two chemotherapy drugs along with radiation therapy for these patients, a significant de-escalation of treatment. 

“We are pleased with these outcomes, which were consistent across both favorable- and unfavorable-risk groups,” Lee said. “Our ability to omit several medications and radiation therapy demonstrates that we can maintain or improve outcomes and reduce treatment toxicity.” 

What were the study’s key findings?  

The combination achieved a 96% objective response rate, a 92% complete response rate, and the two-year, progression-free survival rate reached 97%. These findings suggest the potential to replace radiation-based strategies with a targeted therapy approach for this patient population. This would reshape frontline treatment for early stage cHL, Lee explained. 

The Phase 2 clinical trial included 154 newly diagnosed patients. Patients received four cycles of the combination regimen. Compared to the current standard treatment options, patients experienced manageable side effects and no reported cases of febrile neutropenia.  

What does this mean for potential treatment?

This study shows the potential of this combination as a promising frontline regimen that offers safer and equally effective results.   

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The study was funded by Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb. A full list of authors and their disclosures can be found in Blood.