Take action in the treatment of certain peripheral T-cell lymphomas with ADCETRIS
ADCETRIS is approved to treat certain types of peripheral T-cell lymphomas that express the CD30 protein. Before making treatment decisions, learn more about the benefits and risks of ADCETRIS, and see how others responded.
See study results
The importance of CD30
ADCETRIS works by targeting cancer cells, including peripheral T-cell lymphomas, that have CD30 protein on the surface. Even though CD30 is not commonly found on healthy cells, ADCETRIS may still harm normal cells and cause side effects. Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor may order a test to find out how much CD30 is on your cancer cells. Sometimes the test comes back negative when the CD30 number is very low. If your test results are negative, ask your doctor to check if there is any CD30 protein present, no matter how low.
How does ADCETRIS work?
Step 1
ADCETRIS aims to attach to cells that have a protein on their surface called CD30.
Step 2
Once attached, ADCETRIS is brought into the cell and released.
Step 3
The drug stops the cell from being able to grow and divide, causing the cell to die.
CD30 is found on cancer cells of peripheral T-cell lymphomas, including these types:
- Adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia
- Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma
- Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma
- Peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, including
mycosis fungoides - Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), including systemic ALCL and
primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL)
CD30 is found on peripheral T-cell lymphoma cells and not commonly found on healthy cells. Even though ADCETRIS is a CD30‑directed therapy, it may still harm normal cells and cause side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about side effects.
Study results
Select each tab to see ADCETRIS study results for people with certain types of T-cell lymphoma
Previously untreated
PTCL
Relapsed
pcALCL or MF
Relapsed
sALCL
ECHELON-2 study design information
ECHELON-2 was a large clinical study of 452 people that compared the effectiveness and safety of ADCETRIS plus CHP with CHOP chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated peripheral T-cell lymphoma.
- 226 people were given ADCETRIS plus CHP every 3 weeks for up to 6 to 8 cycles
- 226 people were given CHOP chemotherapy every 3 weeks for up to 6 to 8 cycles
Researchers reviewed the results of these treatments at approximately 3 years.
APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS AFTER TREATMENT
ADCETRIS plus CHP was more effective than CHOP chemotherapy
- The following data represent the progression-free survival that was observed at 3 years
- In this study, progression-free survival means the length of time from the start of treatment a patient lives without cancer progression, death, or receiving another cancer treatment
- These data are the primary endpoint in the study, and the results were used to support the FDA approval of ADCETRIS plus CHP
- The median follow-up time was just over 3 years (36.2 months)
- About 57% of adults treated with ADCETRIS plus CHP did not have their cancer grow or spread, need additional anticancer therapy, or die compared to about 44% of adults treated with CHOP chemotherapy
- The median time to a patient’s cancer growing or spreading, or needing additional anticancer therapy, or death was 48.2 months for those treated with ADCETRIS plus CHP and 20.8 months for those treated with CHOP chemotherapy
Patients lived longer
More people treated with ADCETRIS plus CHP lived longer than those treated with CHOP.
Median follow-up in the ADCETRIS plus CHP arm was 41.9 months and 42.2 months in the CHOP arm.
Patients saw tumor size reduced
More people treated with ADCETRIS plus CHP saw their tumors get smaller or become undetectable compared to those receiving CHOP.
Tell your doctor about any side effect concerns you have
Your doctor should prescribe granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) along with your ADCETRIS treatment right at the start. G-CSF is a medication that may help reduce the chance of neutropenia (low white blood cell count).
Don’t stop, change, or delay your ADCETRIS plus CHP treatment unless directed by your doctor. Your doctor may take additional steps to help manage side effects, including:
- Reducing your ADCETRIS dosage, or delaying your next dose, until symptoms improve
- Stopping ADCETRIS completely if side effects are severe or do not improve
What to expect during treatment with ADCETRIS
How ADCETRIS is given
Previously untreated peripheral T-cell lymphoma
ADCETRIS is given with chemotherapy (CHP) as an intravenous (IV) infusion (directly into the vein), at the doctor’s office or clinic.
The infusion is given every 3 weeks for 6 to 8 treatments.
The ADCETRIS infusion takes about 30 minutes. Additional time is needed for CHP chemotherapy infusions. Your doctor may ask you to come to the office early to prepare and stay afterward for monitoring. Your doctor may reduce, hold, or stop your ADCETRIS treatment based on side effects.
Relapsed primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma
or CD30-expressing mycosis fungoidesADCETRIS is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (directly into the vein), at the doctor’s office or clinic.
The infusion is given every 3 weeks for up to 16 doses. You may get fewer than 16 doses if your disease gets worse or if you have serious side effects.
The infusion takes about 30 minutes. Your doctor may ask you to come to the office early to prepare and stay afterward for monitoring. Your doctor may reduce, hold, or stop your ADCETRIS treatment based on side effects.
Relapsed systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma
ADCETRIS is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (directly into the vein), at the doctor’s office or clinic.
The infusion is given every 3 weeks until your cancer gets worse or if you have serious side effects.
The infusion takes about 30 minutes. Your doctor may ask you to come to the office early to prepare and stay afterward for monitoring. Your doctor may reduce, hold, or stop your ADCETRIS treatment based on side effects.
In the clinical study, people were on treatment for an average of 7 cycles.
Previous
Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about the following:
- All of your medical conditions
- Current medications, including supplements and vitamins to avoid drug interactions
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, because ADCETRIS treatment may harm your unborn baby
- Female patients who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for 2 months after their last ADCETRIS dose
- Male patients with female partners who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for 4 months after their last ADCETRIS dose
- If you are breastfeeding
- Don't breastfeed during treatment due to the risk to the baby
Resources and support
From cost to resources, support may be available
The patient support programs available through Pfizer are designed to help patients begin their prescribed ADCETRIS treatment. If eligible and enrolled, you can receive personalized support, including:
- Confirming your insurance coverage
- Evaluating out-of-pocket costs and available copay options
- Helping you access alternative support options if you can’t afford ADCETRIS*
Talk to your healthcare provider to learn how to enroll in the Pfizer Patient Assistance Program.
Visit the websiteInformation provided by patient support programs from Pfizer is not intended to be a substitute for your healthcare provider. Discuss any questions you may have about your disease and your treatment with your healthcare team.
*Financial support may be provided through foundation referral. Pfizer does not guarantee that enrollment will result in coverage and/or reimbursement.
Apps to manage your care†
Focus on Lymphoma
This app from the Lymphoma Research Foundation offers:
- Tailored content for your type of cancer
- A way to track your medications, blood counts, and doctor discussions
- Educational resources, stories of hope, and diagnosis and treatment information
- Resources, financial assistance, counseling, and help finding a doctor
- Ways to connect with others
LLS Health Manager
This app from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society features:
- Side effect, medication, food, and hydration trackers
- Questions for your doctor
- Meal-planning tools
- Shared caregiver access
- Education, support, and resources
Helpful links†
Connect with other people living with cancer, and their caregivers
Provides education, support, and advocacy resources for people with cutaneous lymphoma.
Hosts educational forums and provides online literature for people with T-cell leukemias and lymphomas, and their families.
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.
Devoted to improving care through patient education and support services and improving outcomes through investment in the most promising lymphoma research.
Provides case management, counseling, support groups, education, publications, and financial and co-payment assistance.
Offers a global network of support that is available online and at community-based centers and hospitals.
Supports people with cancer who are trying to manage their career with expert advice, interactive tools, and educational events.
Provides transplant patients, survivors, and their loved ones with emotional support and information about bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cell, and cord blood transplants.
†Pfizer is not responsible for the content or services of these providers. The information/links provided by Pfizer are not meant to replace a physician's medical advice.
Questions to ask your doctor
It's important to ask questions and share concerns about ADCETRIS treatment with a doctor. The Doctor Discussion Guide can help navigate the conversation so you get the most out of your visit. Take this printable PDF with you to your next appointment.
Download guide
Glossary
CHOP: A combination of 4 chemotherapies—cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone.
CHP: A combination of 3 chemotherapies—cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone.
Complete remission: When all signs of cancer in your body are undetected following treatment.
FDA: Food and Drug Administration.
G-CSF: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, a medication that can help boost white blood cell count.
Lymphoma: A type of blood cancer that starts in the cells of the immune system (or lymphatic system).
Median: The middle number in a list of numbers.
Neutropenia: Having low levels of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils that help your immune system. You could have a higher chance of getting an infection.
Partial remission: A decrease in the size of a tumor, or the amount of cancer in your body, following treatment. Some cancer remains.
Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) and mycosis fungoides (MF): 2 different types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that involves the skin. Mycosis fungoides is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, occurring in about 50% of cases. Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma happens less often.
Relapse: When cancer has returned after a period of remission.
Remission: When signs and symptoms of cancer are reduced or undetectable.
Systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL): A fast-growing type of T-cell lymphoma. It may appear in the skin, lymph nodes, bones, soft tissues, lungs, or liver. Its cancer cells have CD30 protein on them. Anaplastic large cell lymphomas comprise about 1% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas and about 10-20% of all T-cell lymphomas.