Brentuximab vedotin
Say it: bren-TUX-ih-mab veh-DOH-tin · Brand names: Adcetris
Brentuximab vedotin is a targeted medicine that delivers a strong cancer drug straight to lymphoma cells that have a protein called CD30.
What it is
It is made of two parts joined together: an antibody that finds a protein called CD30 on cancer cells, and a strong cancer medicine. The antibody carries the medicine straight to the cancer cell, so more of it reaches the cancer and less reaches healthy cells. Once inside, the medicine stops the cancer cell from dividing.
Often used for
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- some T-cell lymphomas, such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma
- some lymphomas of the skin
- large B-cell lymphoma that has come back
How you get it
You get it as an infusion into a vein at a clinic, and each infusion takes about 30 minutes. It is usually given every 2 or 3 weeks, sometimes with chemotherapy. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in your hands or feet. Tell your team if it gets worse.
- Feeling tired. Rest and gentle activity can help.
- Nausea and vomiting. Eat small, bland meals.
- Diarrhea or constipation. Drink fluids and tell your team if it lasts.
- Low white blood cells, which raises the risk of infection. Wash your hands often.
- Cold symptoms, such as a stuffy nose or cough. Rest and drink fluids.
- Fever. Check your temperature if you feel warm.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- Confusion, trouble thinking, memory loss, trouble speaking or walking, or vision changes
- Very bad belly pain that may spread to your back
- Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
- A rash with blisters, peeling skin, or mouth sores
- Trouble breathing, chills, flushing, or rash during or after the infusion
Before you start, tell your team
- If you already have numbness or tingling
- If you have liver or kidney problems
- If you have diabetes
- If you are getting bleomycin, a chemotherapy medicine, because the two should not be used together
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- A rare but serious brain infection called PML can happen. Tell your team right away about any changes in thinking, balance, speech, or vision.
- Nerve damage is common. Your team may lower or pause the dose if it gets worse.
- You will have blood tests to check your blood counts, liver, and blood sugar.
- This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for months after.
Questions to ask
- What should I do if the tingling in my hands or feet gets worse?
- Will I get shots to help my white blood cells?
- How many treatments will I have?
- Which changes in my thinking or vision should I call about?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
- Cough
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Brentuximab vedotin?
- Brentuximab vedotin is a targeted medicine that delivers a strong cancer drug straight to lymphoma cells that have a protein called CD30. Brand names: Adcetris.
- What is Brentuximab vedotin used for?
- Hodgkin lymphoma; some T-cell lymphomas, such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma; some lymphomas of the skin; large B-cell lymphoma that has come back.
- How is Brentuximab vedotin given?
- You get it as an infusion into a vein at a clinic, and each infusion takes about 30 minutes. It is usually given every 2 or 3 weeks, sometimes with chemotherapy. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Brentuximab vedotin?
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in your hands or feet. Feeling tired. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea or constipation. Low white blood cells, which raises the risk of infection. Cold symptoms, such as a stuffy nose or cough. Fever.
- When should I call my care team while taking Brentuximab vedotin?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; Confusion, trouble thinking, memory loss, trouble speaking or walking, or vision changes; Very bad belly pain that may spread to your back; Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine; A rash with blisters, peeling skin, or mouth sores; Trouble breathing, chills, flushing, or rash during or after the infusion.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Brentuximab vedotin?
- AAVD, BV-CHP.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.