What to Expect
How will my friend or loved one know that Campath is working?
You and the patient may see a response to Campath in as few as 4 to 6 weeks, but it may take up to 12 weeks. The doctor will perform tests, such as blood tests, to monitor progress. Campath is working if blood tests during treatment show the following:
- Fewer B and T cells (lymphocytes)
- Temporarily lower counts for the following blood cells:
- Red blood cells (which carry oxygen)
- Cells that control bleeding (platelets)
- White blood cells that kill bacteria (neutrophils)
In addition to frequent blood tests, bone marrow will be tested from time to time. The type and number of cells in bone marrow can also confirm if Campath is working.
What results can we expect from Campath?
As you probably know, although a lot of progress has been made, B-CLL is a chronic disease that has no cure.
- In a study of 93 patients with advanced B-CLL, 33% responded to Campath
- In a second study of 32 patients with advanced B-CLL, 21% responded to Campath
- 0% complete response, 21% partial response
- In a third study of 24 patients with advanced B-CLL, 29% responded to Campath
- 0% complete response, 29% partial response
Each patient is different. Not every patient will respond to Campath in the same way, if at all.
Campath is indicated as a single agent for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).
WARNING: CYTOPENIAS, INFUSION REACTIONS, and INFECTIONS
Cytopenias: Serious, including fatal, pancytopenia/marrow hypoplasia, autoimmune idiopathic thrombocytopenia, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia can occur in patients receiving Campath. Single doses of Campath greater than 30 mg or cumulative doses greater than 90 mg per week increase the incidence of pancytopenia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)].
Infusion Reactions: Campath administration can result in serious, including fatal, infusion reactions. Carefully monitor patients during infusions and withhold Campath for Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions. Gradually escalate Campath to the recommended dose at the initiation of therapy and after interruption of therapy for 7 or more days [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2) and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)].
Infections: Serious, including fatal, bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoan infections can occur in patients receiving Campath. Administer prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) and herpes virus infections [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.2) and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3)].
The most commonly reported adverse reactions are infusion reactions fever, chills, hypotension, urticaria, nausea, rash, tachycardia, dyspnea), cytopenias (neutropenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), and infections (CMV viremia, CMV infection, other infections). In clinical trials, the frequency of infusion reactions was highest in the first week of treatment. Other commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, abdominal pain, insomnia and anxiety. The most commonly reported serious adverse reactions are cytopenias, infusion reactions, and immunosuppression/infections. See "Warnings and Precautions," and "Adverse Reactions" sections of full Prescribing Information.
Please see Full Prescribing Information (PDF).
