Emerging role of Alemtuzumab in renal and renal-pancreas transplantation.
BACKGROUND
Alemtuzumab is a humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody that is increasingly used in solid organ transplantation.


OBJECTIVE
The novel mechanism by which alemtuzumab works was used to provide an understanding of its clinical efficacy and adverse effects.


METHODS
Human studies of alemtuzumab in adult renal and pancreas transplantation were reviewed. These studies looked at the role of alemtuzumab as a tolerogenic and induction agent as well as its role in the treatment of acute rejection.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, alemtuzumab induction resulted in patient and graft outcomes comparable to other induction strategies but studies failed to show development of true tolerance. Economic benefit is a major attraction for alemtuzumab use. Future studies will further identify the optimal use of alemtuzumab.
Sureshkumar
Kalathil K
KK
Allegheny General Hospital, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, 320 East North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 USA. ksureshk@wpahs.org
Hussain
Sabiha M
SM
Zimmer
Brian W
BW
Marcus
Richard J
RJ
D000074323:Alemtuzumab; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D016035:Pancreas Transplantation
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D000074323:Alemtuzumab