CD52 expression in T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia--implications for treatment with alemtuzumab

Leuk Lymphoma. 2005 May;46(5):723-7. doi: 10.1080/10428190500052156.

Abstract

Few reports on the successful treatment of T-cell large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia with the humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab are emerging in the literature. The expression of CD52 by LGLs has not been previously investigated. Using semi-quantitative 2- and 3-color flow cytometry, we documented the expression of CD52 in 100% of abnormal cells in T-cell LGL leukemia (n = 11) and natural killer (NK) cell LGL leukemia (n = 2), and showed no significant difference in CD52 expression between T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL) and T-cell LGL leukemia. Higher CD52 expression has been noted in responders to alemtuzumab in T-cell PLL and in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a B-cell disorder. The strong and consistent expression of CD52 shown here highlights the potential role of alemtuzumab in the treatment of refractory T-cell LGL leukemia and possibly aggressive NK cell leukemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alemtuzumab
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antibodies, Neoplasm / therapeutic use*
  • Antigens, CD / biosynthesis*
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / biosynthesis*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • CD52 Antigen
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Glycoproteins / biosynthesis*
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / immunology*
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antibodies, Neoplasm
  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • CD52 Antigen
  • CD52 protein, human
  • Glycoproteins
  • Alemtuzumab