Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin)
Seagen / Takeda Oncology · CD30-Targeted Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC)
What is Adcetris? Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) is a CD30-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) by Seagen/Takeda. It combines an anti-CD30 antibody with monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), a microtubule-disrupting agent. It is approved for multiple CD30-expressing hematologic malignancies.
About Adcetris
| Brand Name | Adcetris |
| Generic / INN | brentuximab vedotin |
| Drug Class | CD30-Targeted Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) |
| Manufacturer | Seagen / Takeda Oncology |
| Administration | Intravenous (IV) infusion |
| FDA Approval | 2011 |
FDA-Approved Uses for Adcetris
Indications are based on FDA approval. Your healthcare provider determines appropriate use based on your specific diagnosis, stage, biomarker status, and overall clinical picture.
- Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) — consolidation after auto-SCT; relapsed/refractory; first-line with AVD (in Stage III/IV)
- Systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) — relapsed/refractory; first-line with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone
- Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) or CD30-expressing mycosis fungoides — after prior systemic therapy
- Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) — first-line with CHP
How Does Adcetris Work?
Brentuximab vedotin binds CD30 on tumor cells, is internalized, and releases MMAE intracellularly. MMAE disrupts microtubule dynamics, causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The ADC selectively targets CD30-expressing lymphoma cells.
Dosage & Administration
1.8 mg/kg (max 180 mg) IV over 30 minutes every 3 weeks. Dose adjustments for peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia.
Dosing is individualized by the prescribing clinician. Never adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider. This information is educational only and does not replace the official prescribing information.
Warnings, Precautions & Side Effects
General Warning
Peripheral neuropathy — common and can be severe/permanent. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) — fatal. Anaphylaxis/infusion reactions. Hematologic toxicities. Pulmonary toxicity. Hepatotoxicity. Serious infections. Embryo-fetal toxicity.
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) — fatal
- Peripheral neuropathy (severe/permanent)
- Anaphylaxis
- Pulmonary toxicity
- Hepatotoxicity
- Embryo-fetal toxicity
Common Side Effects
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Neutropenia
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Rash
- Alopecia
This is not a complete list. Always report new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
Storage & Handling
Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Protect from light. Reconstituted solution: use within 24 hours.
BiologicHealthPlus provides temperature-monitored cold-chain specialty delivery for medications requiring refrigeration. Never use a medication if its storage conditions have been compromised.
Insurance Coverage, Prior Authorization & Patient Assistance
🛡️ Commercial Insurance
Adcetris is covered by most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary and prior authorized. Coverage tier and cost-sharing vary by plan.
✅ Prior Authorization
Prior authorization is required by virtually all insurance plans for Adcetris. BiologicHealthPlus handles the complete prior authorization process at no cost to patients or providers.
🏥 Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part B covers this IV medication when administered in a clinical setting. Medicaid coverage varies by state.
🆓 Patient Assistance
Manufacturer patient assistance programs may be available for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Contact BiologicHealthPlus for a confidential eligibility review.
Prior Authorization Patient Assistance Insurance & Savings Medication Costs
Frequently Asked Questions — Adcetris
Adcetris is a CD30-targeted ADC that combines an anti-CD30 antibody with MMAE chemotherapy. It is approved for classical Hodgkin lymphoma, systemic ALCL, CD30+ cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) — a rare but potentially fatal brain infection caused by JC virus reactivation — is the most serious risk. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common dose-limiting toxicity.
CD30 is a cell surface protein expressed by Reed-Sternberg cells in Hodgkin lymphoma and by malignant cells in ALCL and other T-cell lymphomas. Brentuximab vedotin uses CD30 as a docking target to deliver chemotherapy directly into tumor cells.
Related Medications & Conditions
Related Medications
Keytruda (pembrolizumab — cHL) · ABVD regimen · Romidepsin · Mogamulizumab
Related Conditions
Classical Hodgkin lymphoma · Systemic ALCL · Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) · Peripheral T-cell lymphoma