brentuximab vedotin

(Reuters) - A pivotal trial of Seattle Genetics' experimental cancer-targeting antibody for patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma found that more than a third of them achieved complete remission of their cancer.Seattle Genetics had said in September that 75 percent of the trial's 102 patients had remissions or tumor shrinkage of at least 50 percent. The trial involved patients who had stopped responding to standard treatments for the lymphatic cancer.
Brentuximab vedotin links a tumor-targeting antibody to a cancer-killing chemotherapy drug with the goal of limiting side effects. It is designed to home in on an antigen expressed in Hodgkin's lymphoma, several types of T-cell lymphoma and other hematologic malignancies.

This story is all over my internet-based news sources today. How exciting!

More general updating is soon to come - after a much needed break from the stress of treatment, Brendan had the intensely anticipated PET scan two days ago. We are waiting for those results, which will dictate the next step of treatment.
As I wrote in an email to a friend earlier today - other than the slight nervous energy around the results of the PET scan, everyone is breathing easier these days. There is a change in Brendan now that he isn't being poisoned every week. His laugh is more genuine, he seems more relaxed, and he has been able to enjoy a vacation to Scotland and late nights out with his old friends.
The differences are slight, but they are there.
We're okay.


EDIT/UPDATE 1.14.2012 
The FDA just added a new warning about this drug as a few people have developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which is a rare but serious brain infection.

Brentuximab was approved by the FDA in August 2011 for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma. At the time of approval, 1 case of PML was described in the warnings and precautions section of the label. So there are now 3 cases associated with the drug.
The signs and symptoms of PML can develop over the course of several weeks or months. They can include changes in mood or usual behavior; confusion; thinking problems; loss of memory; changes in vision, speech, or walking; and decreased strength or weakness on one side of the body.