Campath chemotherapy is used to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Campath is a monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are a part of targeted cancer therapy. Campath is administered intravenously. The generic name for Campath is Alemtuzumab.

The Way Campath Chemotherapy Works

There are medications given prior to the treatment to reduce the infusion related symptoms. The infusion is started with a test dose in the beginning and gradually increased according to the tolerance level of that patient.

Antibodies are a part of our immune system that the body produces in response to an antigen. These antibodies attach themselves to the antigen i.e. a germ and highlight them so that they are destroyed by our immune system.

Monoclonal antibodies are made in the lab by analyzing some specific antigens. Some human and animal proteins are used to make antibodies that attach themselves to the antigen similar to a lock and key model. Monoclonal antibodies target only specific cells thus reducing the damage done to the healthy cells in conventional chemotherapy.

Campath is a monoclonal antibody that targets an antigen CD52 found on B and T cells. Campath antibody attaches to the CD52 antigen thus activating the immune system to destroy these targeted or highlighted cells in the blood and bone marrow. This antigen is also present on some of the healthy B and T cells. Hence, some of these cells could be destroyed resulting in weakened immunity. Hence, the patient becomes more susceptible to infections.

Side Effects of Campath Chemotherapy

Certain infusion related reactions occur within the first 30-60 minutes after the start of the infusion and during the first week of treatment. Some of these symptoms are-

• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Itching
• Skin rash
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Low blood pressure
• Low blood counts

There are medications given prior to the treatment to reduce the infusion related symptoms. The infusion is started with a test dose in the beginning and gradually increased according to the tolerance level of that patient.

Relatively less common symptoms of Campath are-

• Cough
• Bronchitis
• Muscle pain
• Poor appetite
• Sweating
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Mouth sores
• Swelling of the hands or feet
• Dizziness
• High blood pressure
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Heartburn
• Back pain

Precautions for Campath Chemotherapy

• It is essential to inform your doctor about any other medications or therapies you are taking or have taken in the past before starting with Campath chemotherapy. This includes everything ranging from OTC medications, prescribed medications, herbal remedies, supplements, alternative therapies, vitamins, etc.
• Do not take aspirin or aspirin based products without consulting your doctor.
• Inform your doctor if you have had any allergic reaction to another monoclonal antibody causing hypersensitivity in which cause Campath might not be suitable for you.
• Campath cannot be taken in case you have an infection.
• Antibiotic medication is recommended along with Campath. Make sure to stick to the medicine schedule exactly as given by the doctor.
• Do not get yourself vaccinated before or during Campath chemotherapy.
• Inform your doctor in case you or your partner is pregnant, a lactating mother or if you plan to have a family in the near future before starting this treatment as most of these drugs are harmful for a developing fetus.
• Do not breast-feed while taking Campath as some of these drugs enter the breast milk and hence it could be toxic for the baby.

Campath chemotherapy or Alemtuzumab has been effectively used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia or CLL. It is also being studied for the treatment of other tumors and various other blood cancers like Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma, other types of leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and kidney cancer. To treat leukemia, special leukemia chemotherapy  is available.