PD-1 blockade in Hodgkin's lymphoma: learning new tricks from an old teacher.
BACKGROUND
Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma (cHL) is characterized by genetic reliance on the PD-1 pathway. Rapid accumulation of data describing the role and efficacy of PD-1 and its blockade warrants a focused review.


METHODS
In this article, we will review the unique biologic features that predispose cHL to PD-1 inhibition, current data regarding the safety and efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in the treatment of cHL, biomarkers of immune response, ongoing clinical trials with PD-1 inhibitors, as well as areas of uncertainty. Expert commentary: The biologic and genetic underpinnings of cHL make it unique among all malignancies in its exquisite sensitivity to PD-1 inhibition. High response rates to single agent PD-1 inhibitors in early phase clinical trials serve as further proof of concept. These data strongly support continued clinical investigation of the evolving role of PD-1 inhibition in classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, including the optimal sequence, setting, and combination to best exploit the immunologic properties of this disease.
a Lymphoma Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center , Chicago , IL , USA.
Pamela Blair
PB
Allen
a Lymphoma Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center , Chicago , IL , USA.
Leo I
LI
Gordon
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D060890:B7-H1 Antigen / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D015415:Biomarkers; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation / Q000187:drug effects; D008024:Ligands; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D061026:Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D060890:B7-H1 Antigen; D015415:Biomarkers; D008024:Ligands; D061026:Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
PD-1; PD-L1; PD-L2; Pembrolizumab; checkpoint inhibitor(s); classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL); nivolumab