Updates in the Role of Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy in Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The introduction of immunotherapy into the treatment options for Hodgkin’s lymphoma has improved survival in patients with recurrence of their cancer. These agents help the body’s immune system respond and clear cancer cells. Currently, these agents are only approved in patients who have had their cancer return multiple times or have progressed through multiple therapies. However, the evaluation of these agents as part of therapy in the upfront setting or second line setting has been conducted. This study will review these clinical studies and provide insights into the future directions of immunotherapy use by physicians in treatment of patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. ABSTRACT: Classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a highly curable disease, but 10–25% of patients with higher-risk disease relapse. The introduction of checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) targeting PD-1 have changed the landscape of treatment for patients with relapsed/refractory disease to multiple lines of therapy. The depth of response to CPI as a monotherapy is highest in the first relapse as salvage therapy based on outcomes reported in several phase II studies. With earlier use of CPI and brentuximab vedotin, the optimal sequencing of therapy is evolving. In this review, we will summarize clinical investigation of anti-PD-1 mAb in earlier line settings to provide insights on utilizing these agents as chemotherapy- and radiation-sparing approaches, increasing depth of response, and as part of combination regimens.