Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
15:04
Potentiation of Anticancer Antibody Efficacy by Antineoplastic Drugs: Detection of Antibody-drug Synergism Using the Combination Index Equation
Published on: January 19, 2019
Alemtuzumab as compared to alternative contemporary induction regimens
John C LaMattina1, Joshua D Mezrich, R Michael Hofmann
1Division of Transplantation, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 53792, USA.
Summary
Alemtuzumab use in adult renal transplants was associated with higher rates of antibody-mediated rejection and infectious complications, leading to worse allograft survival compared to other immunosuppressants. Patient survival remained equivalent across groups.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Adult renal transplant outcomes are influenced by immunosuppressive strategies.
- Alemtuzumab is a potent lymphocyte-depleting antibody used in transplantation.
- Comparing alemtuzumab with other induction agents is crucial for optimizing patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of alemtuzumab versus basiliximab or thymoglobulin in adult renal transplant recipients.
- To evaluate the impact of alemtuzumab on rejection rates, allograft survival, and infectious complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1687 adult renal transplants performed between 2002 and 2007.
- Comparison of outcomes between patients receiving alemtuzumab (n=632) and those receiving basiliximab (n=690) or thymoglobulin (n=125).
- Statistical analysis of rejection incidence, allograft survival, patient survival, and infectious complications.
Main Results:
- Alemtuzumab recipients had higher rates of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and infectious complications, including cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections.
- Five-year allograft survival was significantly lower in the alemtuzumab group (67%) compared to the control group (74%).
- Alemtuzumab was an independent risk factor for allograft loss, AMR, and infections, despite similar patient survival.
Conclusions:
- Alemtuzumab use in adult renal transplantation is associated with increased risks of AMR and infections, negatively impacting long-term allograft survival.
- Alternative induction therapies like basiliximab or thymoglobulin may offer better graft outcomes in select patient populations.
- Further research is warranted to refine the use of alemtuzumab and mitigate its associated risks in renal transplantation.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...