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Alemtuzumab in peripheral T-cell malignancies
1The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK. Claire.Dearden@rmh.nthames.nhs.uk
Cancer Biotherapy & Radiopharmaceuticals
|September 30, 2004
Summary
The humanized monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab shows significant clinical activity in T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This therapy is effective in clearing malignant lymphocytes and improving survival in relapsed/refractory patients.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Alemtuzumab (CAMPATH-1H) is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the CD52 antigen.
- CD52 is widely expressed on normal and malignant B- and T-lymphocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical activity and toxicity of alemtuzumab in mature T-cell malignancies.
- To assess alemtuzumab's efficacy in relapsed/refractory T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).
Main Methods:
- Clinical trials were conducted over 5 years.
- Patient response, survival, and toxicity were monitored.
- Alemtuzumab's effect on lymphocyte clearance was assessed.
Main Results:
- Alemtuzumab induced responses in over two-thirds of T-PLL patients and over 50% of CTCL patients.
- Responding patients demonstrated improved survival compared to nonresponders.
- The antibody effectively cleared malignant lymphocytes from peripheral blood and bone marrow.
Conclusions:
- Alemtuzumab is clinically active and effective in treating T-PLL and CTCL.
- The toxicity profile is acceptable, with manageable complications like infusional reactions and viral reactivation.
- Alemtuzumab may facilitate stem-cell transplantation by purging malignant lymphocytes.