Often used for:
Hodgkin lymphoma, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma
What is brentuximab?
Brentuximab is a monoclonal antibody immunotherapy that targets the CD30 protein on certain lymphoma cells. It uses the immune system to attack cancer cells and is considered targeted therapy because it focuses on specific cell features. During and after the infusion, the care team checks blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and temperature for infusion-related side effects. Patients have regular blood tests to monitor blood counts and kidney and liver function.
Possible side effects
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Fatigue or weakness
- Swelling of arms or legs
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Low blood counts (may cause increased risk of infection, bleeding, anemia, and/or fatigue)
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills)
- Headache
- Cough or shortness of breath
- Bone, joint, or muscle pain
- Back or abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Problems sleeping
- Night sweats
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Rash, itching, or dry skin
- Hand-foot syndrome (tingling of the hands and feet, redness and flaking of the skin)
- Hair loss
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Infusion-related reactions: Symptoms may include chills, shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, low blood pressure, pain in the chest, swelling of the face or neck
- Not all patients who take brentuximab will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for families
- Discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Let the nurse know about any symptoms during the infusion.
- Medicines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be recommended to help prevent flu-like symptoms.
- Watch for symptoms of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) such as confusion, memory loss, headache, vision or speech changes, loss of balance or coordination, weakness on one side of the body, or changes in mood or behavior, and seek medical help right away.
- Sexually active patients should prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after therapy is complete.
- Tell the care team if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.
