indication

Alemtuzumab (Campath) is a monoclonal antibody therapy used for treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

pharmacology

Campath is used to treat leukemia by exploiting antibody mediated lysis of CD52 presenting cells. The CD52 antigen is a cell surface protein found on essentially all B and T lymphocytes, a majority of monocytes, macrophages and most granulocytes. The CD52 antigen is not present on erythrocytes or hematopoetic stem cells. In leukemia there is an excess of B and T cells, so Campath permits selective reduction of lymphocyte populations.

mechanism of action

Campath binds to the CD52 antigen present on most B and T lymphocytes. This binding leads to antibody-dependent lysis of leukemic cells.

biotransformation

Most likely removed by opsonization via the reticuloendothelial system when bound to B or T lymphocytes

half life

~288 hrs