Introduction: Brentuximab vedotin is an antibody–drug conjugate which consists of the anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody cAC10 conjugated with the cytotoxic agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). Brentuximab vedotin has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). The efficacy of brentuximab vedotin in other CD30⁺ lymphomas is currently being investigated.

Areas covered: In this paper, we review the currently available treatment options for systemic peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) and the role of brentuximab vedotin in relapsed or refractory ALCL. In addition, ongoing clinical trial of brentuximab vedotin in relapsed PTCL and combination therapy with other chemotherapies for initial treatment of CD30 lymphoma will also be reviewed.

Expert opinion: Brentuximab vedotin has established its role in the treatment of relapsed or refractory HL and ALCL. In the next few years, the efficacy of this agent in other CD30⁺ lymphomas will be described. The safety and efficacy of several brentuximab-based combination regimens, including use as frontline chemotherapy is under investigation.