Brentuximab vedotin is used in relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Its antitumour action depends on:
- A Complement-mediated lysis of CD30-positive Reed-Sternberg cells
- B Blockade of CD30 ligand binding, preventing NF-kappa-B survival signalling
- C Internalisation of the antibody-drug conjugate and release of monomethyl auristatin E, a microtubule-disrupting payload ✓
- D Cross-linking CD30 with CD3 on cytotoxic T cells to trigger perforin release
Correct answer: C. Internalisation of the antibody-drug conjugate and release of monomethyl auristatin E, a microtubule-disrupting payload
Explanation
Brentuximab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate: an anti-CD30 IgG1 linked to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) through a protease-cleavable linker. After binding CD30 on Hodgkin and ALCL cells, the complex is internalised, lysosomal cathepsin cleaves the linker, and MMAE is released intracellularly to disrupt microtubules and cause mitotic arrest. Option D describes a bispecific T-cell engager design such as blinatumomab, not an ADC.
Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.