
Take the next step in the treatment of high-risk classical Hodgkin lymphoma in children with ADCETRIS
ADCETRIS, in combination with a chemotherapy regimen called AVEPC (doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, and cyclophosphamide), is FDA approved to treat children 2 years of age and older with previously untreated high-risk classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
In a clinical trial called AHOD1331, ADCETRIS plus AVEPC reduced the risk of cancer progression, relapse, a separate cancer diagnosis, or death by 59% when compared to ABVEPC chemotherapy alone (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, and cyclophosphamide) in pediatric patients with previously untreated high-risk classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
92% of patients treated with ADCETRIS plus AVEPC did not experience cancer progression, relapse, a separate cancer diagnosis, or death compared to 83% of those treated with ABVEPC alone.
How does ADCETRIS work?
ADCETRIS is not like traditional chemotherapy. It is an antibody drug conjugate made up of 3 parts:
an antibody, a drug, and a linker.
CD30 is found on classical Hodgkin lymphoma cells and not commonly found on healthy cells.
Even though ADCETRIS is a CD30-directed therapy, it can still harm normal cells and cause side effects. Bring any questions about possible side effects to a doctor.
In the study conducted by the Children’s Oncology Group network, ADCETRIS plus AVEPC chemotherapy was compared to traditional ABVEPC chemotherapy in pediatric patients with previously untreated high-risk classical Hodgkin lymphoma:
- 298 pediatric patients received ADCETRIS plus AVEPC every 3 weeks for up to 5 cycles
- 289 pediatric patients received ABVEPC every 3 weeks for up to 5 cycles
High risk was defined as Ann Arbor Stage 2B with bulk disease, Stage 3B, Stage 4A, and Stage 4B.
Main study results
Results used to support the FDA-approved use of ADCETRIS plus AVEPC. The average follow-up time for all patients was just over 3 years. Patients ranged in age from 3 to 21 years; the average age was 15.
ADCETRIS plus AVEPC offered pediatric patients more time without cancer progression, relapse, a separate cancer diagnosis, or death.
Compared to those treated with traditional ABVEPC chemotherapy, pediatric patients treated with ADCETRIS plus AVEPC had a:
59%
- Cancer growing or spreading
- Cancer coming back
- Development of separate cancer diagnosis
- Death
At 3 years, approximately 10% more people did not have their cancer grow or spread, have their cancer come back, receive a separate cancer diagnosis, or die when treated with ADCETRIS plus AVEPC (92% total) when compared to those treated with traditional ABVEPC (83% total).
What to expect during treatment with ADCETRIS

How ADCETRIS is given
ADCETRIS is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (directly into the vein), at the doctor’s office or clinic.
Patients will receive ADCETRIS with chemotherapy every 3 weeks for up to 5 treatments.
The ADCETRIS infusion takes about 30 minutes. Additional time is needed for AVEPC chemotherapy infusions. The doctor may ask patients to come to the office early to prepare and stay afterward for monitoring.
Before starting treatment, tell the doctor about the following:
- All medical conditions.
- Current medications, including over-the-counter drugs, and any herbal or vitamin supplements. ADCETRIS can interact with some types of drugs.
- If a patient or their partner is pregnant, may become pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Do not receive ADCETRIS while pregnant, and do not attempt to become pregnant for 6 months after the last ADCETRIS dose.
- If a patient or their partner is breastfeeding. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child from ADCETRIS, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.
Questions about ADCETRIS
It's important to share concerns about ADCETRIS treatment with a doctor. The questions below can help guide the conversation.
- How does ADCETRIS help treat classical Hodgkin lymphoma?
- What are the benefits and risks of ADCETRIS?
- What are the most common side effects of ADCETRIS?
- What are the chances of a serious side effect like progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)?
- What steps should be taken if a patient experiences side effects?
- Will treatment need to stop due to side effects?
- Will ADCETRIS interfere with other medications?
- How will treatment interrupt day-to-day life?
Downloadable resources
The resources below may be helpful during ADCETRIS treatment
Helpful links*
Connect with caregivers and patients in the cancer support community
Dedicated to funding research, finding cures, and ensuring access to treatments for patients. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is committed to providing information, resources, and support to those affected by blood cancers.
lls.orgDevoted to improving care through patient education and support services and improving outcomes through investment in the most promising lymphoma research.
lymphoma.orgProvides case management, counseling, support groups, education, publications, and financial and co-payment assistance.
cancercare.orgOffers a global network of support that is available online and at community-based centers and hospitals.
cancersupportcommunity.orgProvides information, support, referrals, and services to cancer patients to help protect their individual reproductive and parenthood goals.
allianceforfertilitypreservation.orgApps to help manage care*
From cost to resources, supporting patients every step of the way
The Seagen Secure® patient assistance program is designed to help patients begin their prescribed ADCETRIS treatment. If eligible and enrolled, a dedicated Oncology Access Advocate will provide comprehensive, personalized support, including:
- Confirmation of insurance coverage
- Evaluating out of pocket costs and available copay options
- Help with alternative financial support if ADCETRIS isn’t affordable*
Talk to a healthcare provider or Call 855-4SECURE (855-473-2873) to
learn how to enroll in Seagen Secure®.
Information provided by Seagen Secure is not intended to be a substitute for a healthcare provider. Discuss any questions about classical Hodgkin lymphoma and treatment with the patient's healthcare team.
*Financial support may be provided through foundation referral. Seagen does not guarantee that enrollment will result in coverage and/or reimbursement.