stella
LymphomaAugust 2021Summary reviewed June 2026

What Researchers Found Testing BV-ICE for Relapsed Hodgkin Lymphoma

Researchers tested a combination of brentuximab vedotin with three chemotherapy drugs (ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide) in 45 people whose Hodgkin lymphoma came back or didn't respond to first treatment. After two cycles, 74% of patients had no signs of cancer on scans.

What the trial was testing

The trial enrolled 45 patients with lymphoma. The study was sponsored by University of Washington and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

It was safety and initial testing (phase 1/2). Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.

What the results showed

74% of patients had complete responses after two treatment cycles.

The Lancet. Haematology · 2021 · NCT02227199

These findings — that three out of four patients showed no cancer on scans after treatment — were published in the The Lancet. Haematology and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 45 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with lymphoma, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

This was an early-stage study testing a combination treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma that has relapsed or not responded to initial therapy. The combination is not yet FDA-approved as a standard regimen. If you have relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma, ask your doctor about this approach or similar combination treatments that might be available through clinical trials or off-label use.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.