FDA approves nivolumab plus AVD for untreated advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma

Dr. Alex Herrera, a professor and chief of lymphoma at City of Hope, highlighted the recent FDA clearance of the combination of nivolumab with the chemotherapy regimen AVD for patients with newly diagnosed stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

The approval follows a phase 3 trial that showed the nivolumab‑AVD regimen produced markedly better outcomes than the prior standard of brentuximab vedotin plus AVD, offering a new therapeutic option for this high‑risk group.

In addition to the efficacy gains, Herrera noted that the combination was well tolerated, suggesting a favorable safety profile for patients undergoing intensive treatment.

The regulatory decision was based on data from the CA209-8UT/SWOG 1826 study (NCT03907488), and experts expect the new regimen to shift the treatment paradigm for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma.