CompletedPhase 3

Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) vs. Brentuximab Vedotin in Participants With Relapsed or Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (MK-3475-204/KEYNOTE-204)

304 participantsStarted 2016-05-23

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in the treatment of participants with relapsed or refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma. Participants will be randomized to receive either pembrolizumab or brentuximab vedotin (BV) for up to 35 three-week cycles of treatment. The primary hypotheses of this study are that treatment with pembrolizumab prolongs Progression-free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) in participants with relapsed or refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma compared to treatment with BV.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Has relapsed (disease progression after most recent therapy) or refractory (failure to achieve Complete Response \[CR\] or Partial Response \[PR\] to most recent therapy) classical Hodgkin Lymphoma. * Has responded (achieved a CR or PR) to BV or BV-containing regimens, if previously treated with BV. * Has measurable disease defined as ≥1 lesion that can be accurately measured in ≥2 dimensions with spiral computed tomography (CT) scan or combined CT/positron emission tomography (PET) scan. Minimum measurement must be \>15 mm in the longest diameter or \>10 mm in the short axis. * Is able to provide an evaluable core or excisional lymph node biopsy for biomarker analysis from an archival (\>60 days) or newly obtained (within 60 days) biopsy at Screening (Visit 1). * Has a performance status of 0 or 1 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Scale. * Has adequate organ function * Female participants of childbearing potential must be willing to use an adequate method of contraception for the course of the study through 120 days (for participants receiving pembrolizumab) or 180 days (for participants receiving BV) after the last dose of study drug. * Male participants of childbearing potential must be willing to use an adequate method of contraception starting with the first dose of study drug through 120 days (for participants receiving pembrolizumab) or 180 days (for participants receiving BV) after the last dose of study drug. Exclusi…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Progression-free Survival (PFS)

Timeframe: Up to approximately 40 months

Overall Survival (OS)

Timeframe: Up to approximately 40 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02684292

SponsorMerck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Sponsor typeINDUSTRY

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-01-14

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Hodgkin Lymphoma trials