Alemtuzumab is safe and effective as immunosuppressive treatment for aplastic anaemia and single-lineage marrow failure: a pilot study and a survey from the EBMT WPSAA

Br J Haematol. 2010 Mar;148(5):791-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2009.08027.x. Epub 2009 Dec 7.

Abstract

An alemtuzumab-based experimental immunosuppressive treatment (IST) regimen was investigated in 35 patients with severe aplastic anaemia (SAA), pure red cell (PRCA) or pure white cell aplasia (PWCA). Alemtuzumab total dose was 73-103 mg s.c., followed by cyclosporine. No serious toxicity due to the regimen was observed. Adverse events were clinically irrelevant; infectious events were rare. The total response rate was 58%, 84% and 100% in SAA, PRCA and PWCA, respectively, with corresponding 6 months cumulative response probabilities of 84%, 84% and 100%. Subcutaneous alemtuzumab is a feasible and sufficiently safe IST regimen for patients suffering from immune-mediated marrow failures.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alemtuzumab
  • Anemia, Aplastic / drug therapy*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antibodies, Neoplasm / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Neoplasm / therapeutic use*
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antibodies, Neoplasm
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Alemtuzumab
  • Cyclosporine