HUMANIZED CD52 MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODY CAMPATH-1H AS FIRST-LINE TREATMENTIN CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC-LEUKEMIA

The humanized CD52 monoclonal antibody Campath-1H was used as first-li ne therapy in nine patients with progressive chronic lymphocytic leuka emia (CLL). Intravenous (n = 5) or subcutaneous (n = 4) injections (up to 30 mg/inj.) were given three times a week for a maximum of 18 week s. Three patients achieved a complete remission (CR) and five patients a partial remission (PR) (response rate 89%). CLL cells were cleared from blood in all patients and from the bone marrow in seven patients. The response duration time was 8+-24+ months. Adverse events were mil d except for one patient who developed CMV pneumonitis. All patients d eveloped lymphocytopenia (B and T cells) but other haematological toxi cities were negligible. Campath-1H is a highly effective and well-tole rated agent in patients with previously untreated CLL and further stud ies are warranted.