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News
PET scans are proving to be powerful tools for personalizing Hodgkin lymphoma treatment. Two trials show that using early PET imaging to adapt therapy — whether with nivolumab or brentuximab vedotin — delivers high response rates while sparing most patients from intensive chemotherapy and radiation. The approach is redefining first-line treatment for advanced-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
Two recent trials are making a strong case for PET-guided, response-adapted therapy as the future of first-line treatment in advanced-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The strategy: use early PET imaging to assess how a patient is responding, then tailor treatment intensity accordingly — escalating for those who need more, and de-escalating for those who don't.
In the phase 2 FINISH-HL trial, patients received nivolumab (Opdivo) plus chemotherapy, followed by a PET scan after 2 cycles. Those who achieved a complete metabolic response (83%) de-escalated therapy, while partial responders continued for up to 6 cycles. All evaluable patients achieved a complete response by end of treatment — and none required radiotherapy or experienced relapse. A separate phase 2 trial using brentuximab vedotin-based chemotherapy showed similar promise, with a 2-year modified PFS rate of 89.5% overall and 100% overall survival.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: These findings suggest that PET-adapted strategies can deliver excellent outcomes while meaningfully reducing treatment burden — sparing patients from radiation and aggressive chemotherapy. If validated in larger trials, this approach could become the new standard of care for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma.
