Brentuximab vedotin, used in relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, delivers its cytotoxic payload through which target antigen and mechanism?

• A CD33-directed antibody conjugated to pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimer, an alkylating agent
• B CD20-directed antibody conjugated to calicheamicin, a DNA strand breaker
• C CD22-directed antibody conjugated to ozogamicin, a topoisomerase poison
• D CD30-directed antibody conjugated to monomethyl auristatin E, a microtubule disruptor ✓

Explanation

Brentuximab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate linking an anti-CD30 antibody to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), a vinca-site microtubule-disrupting agent released after internalization. CD30 is expressed on Reed-Sternberg cells of Hodgkin lymphoma and on anaplastic large cell lymphoma, giving selectivity. Option B describes an incorrect pairing since gemtuzumab ozogamicin targets CD33 with calicheamicin, inotuzumab targets CD22, and none of these pairs matches the payload classes listed, making D the only internally consistent choice.

Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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