title: Updated guidelines on the management of cytomegalovirus reactivation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with alemtuzumab.
abstract: The anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab is highly active in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in patients with previously treated, relapsed, and/or refractory CLL as well as in patients with previously untreated disease. The general immunosuppressive impact and toxicities associated with alemtuzumab therapy are largely predictable and manageable. In particular, cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is now a well-documented complication in patients receiving alemtuzumab. This article discusses several strategies for monitoring and treating CMV reactivation in patients with CLL receiving alemtuzumab-based therapy and provides practical recommendations for CMV management by building upon the guidelines published previously in 2004.
authors.affiliation: Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston , TX 77030, USA. sobrien@mdanderson.org
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Keating
authors.forename: Edward S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Mocarski
mesh_terms: D000074323:Alemtuzumab; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015703:Antigens, CD; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000074301:CD52 Antigen; D003587:Cytomegalovirus; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006023:Glycoproteins; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D014775:Virus Activation / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: 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