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Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 11/30/2007
  • Updated: 04/21/2011

Alemtuzumab

(A-lem-TOO-zoo-mab)

This page contains brief information about alemtuzumab and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s): Campath
FDA Approved: Yes

FDA Approval for Alemtuzumab 1

Use in Cancer

Alemtuzumab is approved to treat:

Alemtuzumab is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

More About Alemtuzumab

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 2 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Alemtuzumab 3 - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

  • warnings about this drug,
  • what this drug is used for and how it is used,
  • what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
  • what you should know about this drug before using it,
  • other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
  • possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Targeted Cancer Therapies 4 - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.

Research Results

The Making of a Monoclonal Antibody 5 - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Alemtuzumab 6 - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.

Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.


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Glossary Terms

B cell (… sel)
A type of immune cell that makes proteins called antibodies, which bind to microorganisms and other foreign substances, and help fight infections. A B cell is a type of white blood cell. Also called B lymphocyte.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
chronic lymphocytic leukemia (KRAH-nik LIM-foh-SIH-tik loo-KEE-mee-uh)
An indolent (slow-growing) cancer in which too many immature lymphocytes (white blood cells) are found mostly in the blood and bone marrow. Sometimes, in later stages of the disease, cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes and the disease is called small lymphocytic lymphoma. Also called CLL.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/fda-alemtuzumab
2http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=37783
3http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a608053.html
4http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/targeted
5http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/NCI_Cancer_Bulletin_061306/page4
6http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=37783&idtype=1
7http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
8http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
9http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
10http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access