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Alemtuzumab – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal anti-CD52 antibody used in the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody specific to lymphocyte antigens. It is a recombinant DNA-derived humanized monoclonal antibody (Campath-1H) that is directed against the 21-28 kD cell surface glycoprotein, CD52. The Campath-1H antibody is an IgG1 kappa with the human variable framework and constant regions, and complementarity-determining regions from a murine (rat) monoclonal antibody (Campath-1G). Alemtuzumab is produced in mammalian cell (Chinese hamster ovary) suspension culture in a medium containing neomycin.4

Mechanism of action

The precise mechanism by which alemtuzumab exerts its therapeutic effects in multiple sclerosis is unknown but is presumed to involve binding to CD52, a cell surface antigen present on T and B lymphocytes, and on natural killer cells, monocytes, and macrophages. Following cell surface binding to T and B lymphocytes, alemtuzumab results in antibody-dependent cellular cytolysis and complement-mediated lysis.[rx] Research suggests that alemtuzumab can also exert immunomodulatory effects through the depletion and repopulation of lymphocytes, including alterations in the number, proportions, and properties of some lymphocyte subsets posttreatment, increasing representation of regulatory T cell subsets, and increasing representation of memory T- and B-lymphocytes.[rx] The reduction in the level of circulating B and T cells by alemtuzumab and subsequent repopulation may reduce the potential for relapse, which ultimately delays disease progression.[rx]

Alemtuzumab depletes circulating T and B lymphocytes after each treatment course. In clinical trials, the lowest cell counts occurred 1 month after a course of treatment at the time of the first post-treatment blood count. Lymphocyte counts then increased over time: B cell counts usually recovered within 6 months; T cell counts increased more slowly and usually remained below baseline 12 months after treatment. Approximately 60% of patients had total lymphocyte counts below the lower limit of normal 6 months after each treatment course and 20% had counts below the lower limit of normal after 12 months.[rx]

Reconstitution of the lymphocyte population varies for the different lymphocyte subtypes. At Month 1 in clinical trials, the mean CD4+ lymphocyte count was 40 cells per microliter, and, at Month 12, 270 cells per microliter. At 30 months, approximately half of the patients had CD4+ lymphocyte counts that remained below the lower limit of normal.[rx]

Indications

  • Alemtuzumab is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Because of its safety profile, the use of Alemtuzumab should generally be reserved for patients who have had an inadequate response to two or more drugs indicated for the treatment of MS.[rx] Alemtuzumab contains the same active ingredient (alemtuzumab) found in CAMPATH, and CAMPATH is approved for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), although generally administered at higher and more frequent doses (e.g., 30 mg) than recommended in the treatment of MS.[rx]
  • B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (B-CLL)
  • Kidney Transplant Rejection
  • Leukemia, Prolymphocytic, T-Cell
  • Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)
  • Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS)
  • Steroid Refractory Acute Graft Versus Host Disease
  • Refractory Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
  • Refractory Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
  • Conditioning regimens for allogeneic stem cell transplantation therapy

Use in Cancer

Alemtuzumab is approved to treat:

Alemtuzumab (Campath) is only available as part of a special program called the U.S. Campath Distribution Program.

Alemtuzumab is also being studied in treating other conditions and types of cancer.

Alemtuzumab is primarily used for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Based on results from clinical trials, the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved the use of this drug for RRMS in May 2014. In November 2014, the US FDA approved alemtuzumab for RRMS. A list of clinical trials for this drug in MS patients is available using this link to ClinicalTrials.gov.Alemtuzumab can also be used in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) therapy and transplant indications, but access for these indications is controlled through a patient access program (in the UK). In other jurisdictions use for this indication has been discontinued. Results from Phase 3 trial NCT00548405, suggest that treating RRMS patients with alemtuzumab earlier can improve pre-existing disability, rather than just slowing disease progression (with caveats around risk-benefit, and the serious side-effects of alemtuzumab therapy; side-effects such as infusion associated reactions, infections, and development of other autoimmune diseases)

Contraindications

The following conditions are contraindicated with this drug. Check with your physician if you have any of the following:

  • are allergic to alemtuzumab or any ingredients of the medication
  • are infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
  • have or have had tuberculosis
  • currently, have any severe infection
  • have active cancer
  • are taking medications to treat cancer or medications that weaken your immune system
  • have a history of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
  • have high blood pressure that is not controlled
  • have a history of stroke or arterial dissection
  • have a history of angina or heart attack
  • have a clotting disorder or are taking anticoagulants
  • In patients who are infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-None) because it causes prolonged reductions of CD4+ lymphocyte counts

Conditions That Contraindicated

  • a bacterial infection
  • HIV
  • shingles
  • a herpes simplex infection
  • an unusual viral infection called cytomegalovirus infection
  • opportunistic fungal infection
  • pneumonia with a fungus called Pneumocystis jirovecii
  • an infection due to a protozoa organism
  • a type of blood disorder where the red blood cells burst called hemolytic anemia
  • a type of blood disorder with a decrease in all types of blood cells called pancytopenia
  • decreased blood platelets
  • low levels of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils
  • a decreased number of lymphocytes in the blood
  • a low supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart
  • abnormal bleeding in the brain resulting in damage to brain tissue called a hemorrhagic stroke
  • low blood pressure
  • pregnancy
  • a patient who is producing milk and breastfeeding
  • low CD4 count
  • acute thromboembolic stroke
  • an increased risk of developing an uncommon viral infection called an opportunistic infection
  • pure red cell aplasia
  • a small tear or dissection of the cervicocephalic artery
  • active tuberculosis
  • inactive tuberculosis
  • infection by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes
  • HIV
  • chronic hepatitis B
  • chronic hepatitis C
  • cancer or malignancy
  • overactive thyroid gland
  • a condition with low thyroid hormone levels
  • low blood counts due to bone marrow failure
  • thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a type of blood disorder
  • a type of inflammation of the lung called interstitial pneumonitis
  • glomerulonephritis, a condition that affects the kidneys
  • progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a type of brain infection

Dosage

Strengths: 10 mg/mL; 30 mg/mL

Multiple Sclerosis

LEMTRADA(R) 10 mg/mL:

  • First treatment course: 12 mg IV over 4 hours daily for 5 consecutive days
  • Second treatment course: 12 mg IV over 4 hours daily for 3 consecutive days administered 12 months after the first treatment course
  • Maintenance dose: 12 mg IV over 4 hours daily for 3 consecutive days may be administered, if needed, at least 12 months after the last dose of the prior treatment course

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

CAMPATH (R) 30 mg/mL:

  • Escalate dosing over 3 to 7 days at the initiation of treatment or if dosing is held 7 days or more:
  • ESCALATION STRATEGY: 3 mg IV over 2 hours daily until infusion reactions are Grade 2 or less, then 10 mg IV over 2 hours daily until infusion reactions are Grade 2 or less, then 30 mg/day IV over 2 hours 3 times a week on alternate days (e.g., Mon/Wed/Fri).
  • Duration of therapy: 12 weeks (including dose escalation)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Multiple Sclerosis

17 years and older:
LEMTRADA(R) 10 mg/mL:

  • First treatment course: 12 mg IV over 4 hours daily for 5 consecutive days
  • Second treatment course: 12 mg IV over 4 hours daily for 3 consecutive days administered 12 months after the first treatment course
  • Maintenance dose: 12 mg IV over 4 hours daily for 3 consecutive days may be administered, if needed, at least 12 months after the last dose of the prior treatment course

For relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) including relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease; because of its safety profile, use should be reserved for patients who have had an inadequate response to 2 or more drugs for MS; not recommended for use in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) because of its safety profile

Dose Adjustments

CAMPATH (R):
DOSE MODIFICATIONS FOR B-CELL CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA (B-CLL):

  • Withhold therapy during serious infection or other serious adverse reactions until resolution.
  • Discontinue therapy for autoimmune anemia or autoimmune thrombocytopenia.
  • There are no dose modifications recommended for lymphopenia.

DOSE MODIFICATION FOR NEUTROPENIA OR THROMBOCYTOPENIA:
ANC LESS THAN 250 PER MICROLITER AND/OR PLATELET COUNT LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 25,000 PER MICROLITER:

  • FIRST OCCURRENCE: Withhold therapy; resume at 30 mg when ANC is greater than or equal to 500 per microliter and platelet count is greater than or equal to 50,000 per microliter.
  • SECOND OCCURRENCE: Withhold therapy; resume at 10 mg when ANC is greater than or equal to 500 per microliter and platelet count is greater than or equal to 50,000 per microliter.
  • THIRD OCCURRENCE: Discontinue therapy.

GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 50% DECREASE FROM BASELINE IN PATIENTS INITIATING THERAPY WITH A BASELINE ANC LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 250 PER MICROLITER AND/OR A BASELINE PLATELET COUNT LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 25,000 PER MICROLITER:

  • FIRST OCCURRENCE: Withhold therapy; resume at 30 mg upon return to baseline.
  • SECOND OCCURRENCE: Withhold therapy; resume at 10 mg upon return to baseline.
  • THIRD OCCURRENCE: Discontinue therapy.

Side Effects

The Most Common

  • nausea, vomiting
  • stomach pain, diarrhea
  • loss of appetite
  • mouth sores
  • headache
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
  • muscle pain
  • signs of heart attack (e.g., sudden chest pain or pain radiating to back, down the arm, or jaw; feeling of fullness of the chest; nausea; vomiting; sweating; or anxiety)
  • signs of stroke (e.g., sudden or severe headache, sudden loss of coordination, vision changes, sudden slurring of speech, or unexplained weakness, numbness, or pain in arm or leg)
  • symptoms of an infusion reaction (e.g., changes in heart rate, headache, rash, feeling tired, nausea, fever, hives, chills, or reddening of the face and neck)
  • signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
  • drooping on one side of the face; sudden weakness or numbness of an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; or difficulty speaking or understanding
  • swelling in legs and ankles, weight gain, fatigue. or foamy urine (may occur months or years after your final dose)

More Common

  • anxiety
  • blisters
  • blurred or double vision
  • difficulty swallowing
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • fever
  • flu-like symptoms (sudden lack of energy, fever, cough, sore throat)
  • inflammation of the gallbladder (e.g., stomach pain or discomfort, fever, nausea, or vomiting)
  • irregular or heavy menstrual periods
  • lung problems (e.g., shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, coughing or spitting up blood)
  • mouth pain or inflammation
  • muscle pain or weakness
  • nervousness
  • numbness or tingling; burning or prickling sensation

Rare

  • rash
  • signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don’t stop bleeding)
  • signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
  • signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine, swelling in the feet and legs)
  • signs of liver damage (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine)
  • signs of decreased thyroid function (e.g., dry skin, constipation, weight gain, fatigue, aches, pains and stiffness, intolerance to cold, depression, memory problems)
  • sore throat
  • symptoms of infection (e.g., fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, listlessness, cold sores, or shingles)
  • symptoms of overactive thyroid (e.g., anxiety or nervousness; weight loss; frequent and loose bowel movements; breathlessness; feeling hot; feeling of having rapid, fluttering, or pounding hear

Interactions

There may be an interaction between alemtuzumab and any of the following:

Pregnancy and Lactation

FDA Pregnancy Category C.

Pregnancy

This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control when receiving alemtuzumab and for at least 4 months after the course of treatment.

Breast-feeding

It is not known if alemtuzumab passes into breast milk. If you are a breastfeeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Women should not breastfeed for at least 4 months after the last infusion of a treatment course. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breastfeeding.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before receiving an alemtuzumab injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to the alemtuzumab injection or any other medications.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical conditions.
  • tell your doctor if you or your partner are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You will have to take a pregnancy test before starting treatment and use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment and for 3 months after your final dose. If you become pregnant during your treatment with alemtuzumab injection, call your doctor immediately. Alemtuzumab may harm the fetus.
  • tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed during treatment with alemtuzumab and for 3 months after the final dose.
  • do not have any live vaccinations during or shortly after your treatment with alemtuzumab injection without talking to your doctor. Women receiving alemtuzumab injections while pregnant should talk to their pediatrician as their infant may not be able to receive live vaccines for a certain period.
  • you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men and women. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving alemtuzumab.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving an alemtuzumab injection.

Are there any other warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Health Canada has issued information concerning the use of alemtuzumab. To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada’s website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

Autoimmune conditions: Rarely, alemtuzumab, like other similar medications, can cause other serious, possibly fatal autoimmune conditions. Your doctor will order blood tests to monitor for changes that could signal the development of one of these conditions. If you experience any unusual or unexpected effects, contact your doctor to have these effects checked out.

Bleeding: Alemtuzumab may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black, and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.

Immune system and infections: Alemtuzumab may lower your ability to fight infections and may increase the risk of infections and reactivate inactive infections. Your doctor may test for tuberculosis before starting this medication.

Your doctor will do regular tests of immune system function while you are using this medication. If you develop a severe infection, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Infusion reactions: Alemtuzumab may cause side effects while the medication is being given, and for some time afterward. If you experience headache, rash, fever, itchiness, chills, flushing, chest pain or discomfort, or dizziness, let your doctor know immediately. Your doctor may give you medications to help prevent these effects.

Kidney function: Alemtuzumab may decrease kidney function. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Rarely, this medication may cause severe and possibly life-threatening liver problems. If you experience signs of decreased liver function, such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Malignancies (cancer): Alemtuzumab may increase the risk of developing cancer including thyroid cancer, certain types of lymphoma, and skin cancer. Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): There have been reports of PML after using alemtuzumab. PML is a rare disorder that causes nerve damage in the brain. If you experience memory loss, vision loss, trouble thinking, or difficulty walking, contact your doctor immediately.

Serious infections: Alemtuzumab can affect the way your body’s natural defenses work to fight infection. This makes the body more likely to develop infections due to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This effect is increased if you are taking alemtuzumab with other medications that reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. For some people, these infections have been fatal. If you have a history of chronic or frequent infections, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stop taking the medication and tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms of a serious infection, such as fever, chills, headache, flu-like symptoms, feeling tired, cough, blood in the sputum, shortness of breath, night sweats, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, frequency or burning while passing urine, redness or swelling of skin or joint, cold sores, tooth pain, or new or worsening pain in any part of the body.

Stroke and heart attack: There have been reports of people experiencing a stroke, heart attack, or other serious reactions including bleeding in the lung or tears in blood vessels supplying the brain after receiving an infusion of alemtuzumab. Stroke symptoms may include confusion, sudden or severe headache, sudden loss of coordination, vision changes, sudden slurring of speech, or unexplained weakness, numbness, or pain in the arm or leg. Heart attack symptoms may include sudden chest pain or pain radiating to the back, down arm, or jaw; a sensation of fullness of the chest; nausea; vomiting; sweating; or anxiety. If you experience any of these symptoms, get immediate medical attention.

Thyroid problems: Some people taking this medication to develop changes in the function of their thyroid. Symptoms of these changes include feeling cold or hot all the time, a change in weight (gain or loss) without a change in your diet or the amount of exercise you get, or feeling emotional. Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

Vaccinations: It is not known how effective vaccines may be after treatment with this medication. Certain immunizations may be dangerous if given while receiving or shortly after receiving a treatment course of alemtuzumab. Before starting treatment with this medication, check with your doctor to ensure your immunizations are up to date. Vaccinations should be completed at least 6 weeks before starting alemtuzumab.

References

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