Alemtuzumab in stem cell transplantation.
Alemtuzumab, otherwise called CAMPATH-1H, is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the CD52 antigen of lymphocytes. It is one of a family of CAMPATH-1 antibodies that have been used over the last 20 yr in stem cell transplantation for depletion of donor and recipient T-cells to prevent graft-versus-host disease and graft rejection. Clinical trials have been carried out by a cooperative group of physicians and the protocols have gradually evolved as different problems have been identified and overcome. T-cell depletion carries risks of reducing graft-versus-tumor effects and increasing susceptibility to virus reactivation, but offers significant benefits in terms of reduced mortality and morbidity from graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Two protocols are currently favored: (1) simple addition of CAMPATH-1H to the stem cell infusion and (2) administration in vivo prior to the transplant--especially in the context of nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens. Both of these give excellent control of GVHD with minimal graft rejection. Contrary to earlier expectations, a short course of posttransplant cyclosporin A (CyA) appears to further reduce transplant-related mortality, mainly by a reduction in late deaths from infection. These results need to be consolidated by means of prospective clinical trials.
Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, UK. geoff.hale@path.ox.ac.uk
Geoff
G
Hale
D000074323:Alemtuzumab; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000187:drug effects; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000187:drug effects; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000276:immunology / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000074301:CD52 Antigen; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000187:drug effects; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm; D015703:Antigens, CD; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000074301:CD52 Antigen; C000613862:CD52 protein, human; D006023:Glycoproteins; D000074323:Alemtuzumab