Historical 2-year progression-free survival rates in similar elderly patients is poor, at 50%, so the progression-free survival rate of 84% in this study represents a significant improvement. Of note, patients with fewer comorbidities and without loss of instrumental activities of daily living showed more robust responses.
Patients with Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G) comorbidity scores of less than 10 had a 2-year progression-free survival rate of 100% versus 45% for those with higher scores. Similarly, patients without loss of instrumental activities achieved a progression-free survival rate of 94%versus 25% for those who had lost some instrumental activities.
Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 42% of patients, with neutropenia being the most common (44%).
“This study represents among the best-reported outcomes to date for untreated older patients with HL,” the investigators concluded.
Seattle Genetics supported the investigator-initiated trial. Dr. Evens reported consulting or advisory relationships with Seattle Genetics and several other companies.
SOURCE: Evens AM et al. J Clin Oncol. 2018 Sep 4. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2018.79.0139