title: Humanized CD52 monoclonal antibody Campath-1H as first-line treatment in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
abstract: The humanized CD52 monoclonal antibody Campath-1H was used as first-line therapy in nine patients with progressive chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Intravenous (n = 5) or subcutaneous (n = 4) injections (up to 30 mg/inj.) were given three times a week for a maximum of 18 weeks. Three patients achieved a complete remission (CR) and five patients a partial remission (PR) (response rate 89%). CLL cells were cleared from blood in all patients and from the bone marrow in seven patients. The response duration time was 8 + -24+ months. Adverse events were mild except for one patient who developed CMV pneumonitis. All patients developed lymphocytopenia (B and T cells) but other haematological toxicities were negligible. Campath-1H is a highly effective and well-tolerated agent in patients with previously untreated CLL and further studies are warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology (Radiumhemmet), Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Osterborg
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Fassas
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Anagnostopoulos
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Dyer
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Catovsky
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mellstedt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D000074301:CD52 Antigen; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006023:Glycoproteins; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D000074301:CD52 Antigen; C000613862:CD52 protein, human; D006023:Glycoproteins