Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) blockade is highly effective and well tolerated in relapsed or refractory cHL and has also demonstrated efficacy in the first-line treatment of cHL in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD) in the phase II GHSG NIVAHL trial. A relevant proportion of patients achieved an early metabolic complete remission (CR) with anti-PD-1 monotherapy and might not require standard chemo- or radiotherapy. Limiting therapy-associated short- and long-term side effects of these conventional treatments including impaired quality of life, second primary malignancies or organ damage is of utmost importance in the predominantly young cHL patients. This trial will hence further reduce treatment intensity and provide a chemo- and radiotherapy-free therapy to optimally responding patients.
The aim of the trial is to establish an individualized first-line treatment incorporating checkpoint inhibition for early-stage unfavorable cHL, which is effective and well tolerated.