Alemtuzumab (Campath)

General information

Class/mechanism: Anti-CD52 antibody that is believed to cause antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity of cells that express the CD52 antigen on their surface: B and T lymphocytes, most monocytes, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and a subpopulation of granulocytes.
Route: IV
Extravasation: neutral

• Use of alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) requires participation in the Lemtrada REMS program.

For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, Medscape, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.

Diseases for which it is used

• Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma
• Autoimmune cytopenias
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL/SLL)
• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome
• Myelodysplastic syndrome
• Peripheral T-cell lymphoma
• Waldenström macroglobulinemia

Patient drug information

• Alemtuzumab (Campath) patient drug information (Chemocare)
• Brief patient counseling information can be found at the end of page 2 of the Alemtuzumab (Campath) package insert
• Alemtuzumab (Campath) patient drug information (UpToDate)

History of changes in FDA indication

• 5/7/2001: Initial approval "for the treatment of patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia who have been treated with alkylating agents and who have failed fludarabine therapy."
• 9/19/2007: Indication expanded "to include use as a single agent for treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL)"
• October 2012: Genzyme withdraws drug from USA and EU (still available for B-CLL patients, however). See Lancet editorial.

Also known as

• Brand names: Campath, Campath-1H, Lemtrada, Mabcampath