The role of transplantation in Hodgkin lymphoma

Autologous stem cell transplantation is the standard salvage strategy for young and fit patients with Hodgkin lymphoma failing induction therapy, and is effective in nearly 50% of cases. The quality of response at transplantation is the most relevant prognostic aspect, as patients in complete response can obtain better outcomes. Therefore, first-line salvage treatments applied before transplantation need to produce high quality responses without excessive myelotoxicity and without affecting peripheral blood stem cell mobilisation. In this sense, the incorporation of new agents active in Hodgkin lymphoma, such as brentuximab vedotin and anti-programmed death 1 antibodies, in conventional regimens, may help to enhance complete remission rates. Working on conditioning regimen and applying a post-autologous consolidation treatment (for example with brentuximab vedotin) are two ways for improving transplant outcomes, particularly in patients displaying high-risk features for early relapse or progression. Allogeneic transplantation maintains its curative potential also in the era of new drugs, although its most correct timing and the most suitable sequence of post-autologous salvage treatments still remain to be determined.