Early-Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma: Time for Novel Agents?

Combined modality therapy (cytotoxic chemotherapy followed by consolidative radiation [RT]) has historically been the standard-of-care for patients with early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). However, novel agents, such as brentuximab vedotin (BV) and immune checkpoint blockade (IO), have recently been incorporated into regimens for early-stage disease. Based on favorable outcomes in phase II clinical trials, BV- and IO-containing regimens are now National Comprehensive Cancer Network-listed options for the treatment of early-stage HL in the United States; however, further data are required to guide the optimal choice of therapy as well as the ongoing role of consolidative RT in the modern era.