Campath-1H monoclonal antibody therapy

Monoclonal antibodies are receiving ever-increasing utilization in the trea tment of hematologic malignancies. Campath-1 antibodies are directed agains t the surface antigen CD52 that is expressed on virtually all lymphocytes a nd monocytes, Murine forms, Campath-1G and Campath-1M, have been utilized e xtensively in allogeneic bone marrow transplants in order to purge the allo graft of lymphocytes. The humanized form, Campath-1H, is currently the focu s of many clinical trials in hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseas es. The genetically engineered Campath-1H has been utilized in the treatmen t of lymphomas and lymphoid leukemias with impressive results, T-cell proly mphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphomas appear to be particularly good targets for this agent. Campath-1H may be a dministered intravenously or subcutaneously, Infectious complications are t he most significant side effect associated with its usage, with fevers, chi lls, nausea, and vomiting most common. Antibiotic prophylaxis has made the infectious morbidity associated with Campath-1H more manageable. The effica cy demonstrated in clinical trials and manageable toxicities make Campath-1 H an appealing agent in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Curr Opi n Oncol 2000, 11:574-581 (C) 1000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.