The S1826 study showed nivolumab+AVD is better tolerated than the previous standard, brentuximab vedotin+AVD. It causes less peripheral neuropathy, fewer infections, and reduces the need for growth factors, leading to less bone pain and better patient-reported quality of life.
Data from the SWOG 1826 trial shows that nivolumab+AVD improves progression-free survival across all evaluated subgroups, including by age, disease stage, and risk score. This broad efficacy simplifies clinical decision-making, establishing it as a new standard for advanced-stage disease.
The adoption of nivolumab+AVD in community oncology is streamlined because practitioners are already experienced with managing immune-related adverse events from using checkpoint inhibitors in various solid tumors. This existing familiarity flattens the learning curve for this new lymphoma regimen.
With remission rates for advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma now exceeding 90%, the next research focus is on personalizing and reducing treatment intensity. Future trials will use tools like circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to identify patients who can receive less chemotherapy or need adapted therapy.