CD30 antibody can be found in mononuclear Hodgkin’s and multinucleated Reed–Sternberg cells in Hodgkin’s disease, in tumors of the majority of anaplastic large-cell lymphomas, in a variable proportion of activated B and T cells, and in embryonal carcinomas. 

It helps to distinguish large cell lymphomas that are derived from activated lymphoid tissues from histiocytic malignancies, lymphomas that are derived from resting or precursor lymphoid tissue cells, and anaplastic carcinomas. Anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody, XmAb2513, binds specifically to the CD30 antigen.

This may lead to a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL), a response against CD30-expressing tumour cells. CD30, which is a member the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNF), is transiently expressed on activated lymphocytes and constitutively expressed in certain hematologic malignancies, including Hodgkin’s disease and T-cell non Hodgkin’s lymphomas.

Relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma remains a challenge. However, targeted immunotherapy has recently emerged to be a treatment option. The development of novel antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) is also being considered. ADCs have the potential to deliver powerful therapies with minimal toxicities. Brentuximab (SGN-35) is one of the most active ADCs.

It combines an antiCD30 monoclonal antibody with the antitubulin agent monomethyl auristatinE. This combination has a 52% overall response in relapsed classical HL. There was minimal toxicity. This article discusses the development of anti CD30 antibodies and ADCs to treat relapsed, refractory or classic HL.