Allogeneic stem cell transplantation using alemtuzumab-containing regimens in severe aplastic anemia

Int J Hematol. 2013 May;97(5):573-80. doi: 10.1007/s12185-013-1333-9. Epub 2013 Apr 30.

Abstract

Alemtuzumab, a humanized anti-CD52, IgG1 monoclonal antibody, is used to reduce graft-versus- host disease (GVHD) and aid engraftment after allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Its associated low incidence of GVHD makes it an attractive alternative to anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) in transplant conditioning regimen for severe aplastic anaemia (SAA). We have reviewed the use of alemtuzumab-based conditioning regimen for HSCT in SAA and show that it results in sustained haematological engraftment, a very low incidence of chronic GVHD without an increase in viral infections. Intriguingly, alemtuzumab appears to induce tolerance post-HSCT with the findings of stable mixed T cell chimerism with full donor myeloid chimerism and the absence of chronic GVHD, and which persist on withdrawal of post-graft immunosuppression. Finally, its low toxicity profile may permit future application of HSCT to older patients with SAA who fail to respond to immunosuppressive therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Alemtuzumab
  • Anemia, Aplastic / complications*
  • Anemia, Aplastic / mortality
  • Anemia, Aplastic / therapy*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • CD52 Antigen
  • Glycoproteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Graft vs Host Disease / etiology
  • Graft vs Host Disease / prevention & control
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Infections / etiology
  • Transplantation Conditioning*
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

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