Alemtuzumab

Monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and leukemia

Alemtuzumab
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Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and certain types of leukemia. It is a biological therapy that targets specific proteins on the surface of cells, leading to the destruction of those cells. Alemtuzumab is marketed under the brand name Lemtrada for multiple sclerosis and Campath for leukemia.

Mechanism of Action

Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CD52 antigen, a protein found on the surface of mature lymphocytes, including T cells and B cells. By binding to CD52, alemtuzumab triggers the destruction of these cells through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). This depletion of lymphocytes is thought to be responsible for its therapeutic effects in both multiple sclerosis and leukemia.

Medical Uses

Multiple Sclerosis

Alemtuzumab is used in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). It is typically prescribed for patients who have had an inadequate response to two or more disease-modifying therapies. The drug is administered as an intravenous infusion over several days, with a second course given a year later. Alemtuzumab has been shown to reduce the frequency of relapses and slow the progression of disability in patients with RRMS.

Leukemia

In the context of leukemia, alemtuzumab is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL). It is particularly useful in patients who have not responded to other treatments. The drug works by depleting the malignant lymphocytes, leading to a reduction in the number of cancerous cells.

Side Effects

The use of alemtuzumab is associated with several side effects, some of which can be severe. Common side effects include infusion reactions, such as fever, rash, and nausea. More serious side effects include an increased risk of infections, autoimmune disorders, and malignancies. Patients receiving alemtuzumab require careful monitoring for these potential complications.

Administration

Alemtuzumab is administered via intravenous infusion. The dosing regimen varies depending on the condition being treated. For multiple sclerosis, the initial treatment consists of daily infusions for five consecutive days, followed by a second course of daily infusions for three days one year later. For leukemia, the dosing schedule may differ and is tailored to the individual patient's needs.

History

Alemtuzumab was originally developed in the 1980s and was one of the first monoclonal antibodies to be used in the treatment of cancer. It was initially approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2001. In 2014, it received approval for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Related pages

• Monoclonal antibody therapy
• Multiple sclerosis treatment
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Autoimmune disease