Alemtuzumab therapy in B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.
Alemtuzumab (Campath-1H, Ilex Pharmaceuticals, San Antonio, TX) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that recognizes the CD52 antigen expressed on malignant and normal B lymphocytes. It has come to be used therapeutically in B-cell malignancies. Responses are seen in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and alemtuzumab can induce molecular remissions in relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), even when refractory to purine analogues. Most studies reveal the responses to be superior in the absence of bulky disease. Infusion-related side effects such as rigors, hypotension, and nausea are reduced by using the subcutaneous route of administration. Infectious complications are the most important toxicity seen and are related to the depletion of normal lymphocytes. The clinical efficacy in combination with both fludarabine and rituximab is under investigation.
Moreton
Paul
P
Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service, University of Leeds, UK.
Hillmen
Peter
P
D000074323:Alemtuzumab; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000276:immunology; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000276:immunology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D000074301:CD52 Antigen; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D012074:Remission Induction
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