How Do Anti-CD30 Monoclonal Antibodies Work?

Anti-CD30 monoclonal antibodies are a class of drugs used to treat cancers such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes), systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL: a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma), peripheral T-cell lymphoma (a diverse group of aggressive lymphomas that develop from mature-stage white blood cells called T cells and natural killer cells), and primary cutaneous ALCL (a subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma).

They are an antibody-drug conjugate consisting of a humanized antibody, targeting the tumor cells expressing the CD30 antigen, a defining marker of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and ALCL.

Anti-CD30 monoclonal antibodies are administered as a powder to be mixed with fluid and injected over 30 minutes intravenously (into a vein).

Anti-CD30 monoclonal antibodies work in the following ways:

• They work by slowing down or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
• They are a targeted therapy called an antibody-drug conjugate.
• The antibody component of the therapy binds to the protein CD30 on the surface of the cancer cells during which the drug is released into the cells and kills them.

Anti-CD30 monoclonal antibodies are used to treat conditions such as:

• Classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system [part of the immune system])
• Systemic ALCL (a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
• Primary cutaneous ALCL (a subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma)
• CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphomas (a diverse group of aggressive lymphomas that develop from mature-stage white blood cells called T cells and natural killer cells)

Some of the common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Tiredness/weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Stomatitis (mouth sores)

Other rare side effects include:

• Dizziness 
• Weight loss
• Fatigue 
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Insomnia 
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Night sweats
• Hair loss
• Chest tightness
• Hives (itchy, raised welts that are found on the skin)
• Decreased urination
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Pain or discomfort in the right upper stomach area
• Dark urine
• Burning in the eyes
• Easy bruising
• Unusual bleeding
• Confusion
• Unusual drowsiness

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of anti-CD30 monoclonal antibodies include:

• Adcetris
• Brentuximab vedotin