title: Alemtuzumab (Campath 1-H).
abstract: Alemtuzumab is an exciting targeted therapy for patients with CD52-sensitive malignancies. The drug is being used in a variety of hematologic malignancies in different dosing schedules and different routes of administration. The Cancer and Leukemia Group B is conducting a study using alemtuzumab as consolidation treatment for patients with B-CLL. The group also is conducting a phase I and II dose-escalation study using alemtuzumab during intensification therapy in adults with untreated acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A national pharmaceutical protocol is actively accruing participants for a trial in which alemtuzumab is used in combination with fludarabine for relapsed and refractory B-CLL. The SQ route of administration is gaining popularity because it is highly effective with fewer side effects than IV infusions. Nurses administering alemtuzumab are in a unique position to ensure patient safety and tolerance of the therapy. By understanding the mechanism of action and the potential complications associated with alemtuzumab, nurses will be better able to provide optimal care to patients as the use of targeted monoclonal therapy continues to progress.
authors.affiliation: DartmouthHitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, USA. anna.d.schaal@hitchcock.org
authors.forename: Anna D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Schaal
mesh_terms: D000074323:Alemtuzumab; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000074323:Alemtuzumab