Pilot experience with continuous infusion alemtuzumab in patients with fludarabine-refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
We evaluated the activity and tolerability of alemtuzumab given as a continuous infusion for 7 d followed by subcutaneous administration for 11 wk as salvage therapy for 10 patients with fludarabine-refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The continuous infusion of alemtuzumab was well tolerated. The typical infusion reaction seen with intravenous alemtuzumab was abolished. Two patients achieved a partial response with an overall response rate of 20%. Alemtuzumab levels were measured in four patients and detectable levels were obtained in three. Clinical activity needs to be confirmed in a larger patient population.
Ferrajoli
Alessandra
A
Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-1402, USA. aferrajo@mdanderson.org
Wierda
William G
WG
LaPushin
Ruth
R
O'Brien
Susan M
SM
Faderl
Stefan
S
Browning
Mary L
ML
Keating
Michael J
MJ
D000368:Aged; D000074323:Alemtuzumab; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016879:Salvage Therapy; D014740:Vidarabine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000074323:Alemtuzumab; D014740:Vidarabine; C024352:fludarabine