Phase 2 trial of nivolumab plus AVD as frontline therapy in older adults with classical Hodgkin lymphoma

A phase 2 trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY) evaluated the combination of nivolumab with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (N-AVD) as frontline therapy for classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in patients aged 60 years and older. Geriatric assessment before therapy initiation revealed that 82% were dependent in at least 1 activities of daily living, 23% were dependent in at least 1 instrumental activities of daily living, 50% had impaired timed up and go test, and 40% had polypharmacy. Three-year PFS and OS rates were 79% and 97%, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 TRAEs were seen in 50% of patients, and discontinuation due to TRAEs occurred in 10%. The authors conclude that N-AVD is a highly effective and well-tolerated frontline regimen in older adults with cHL across a wide range of geriatric impairments.