Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2138840 | Leukemia Research | 2008 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
The mechanism of cytotoxicity of alemtuzumab and rituximab in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is not well understood. We obtained fresh CLL cells from early–intermediate stage high-risk patients just prior to treatment with alemtuzumab and rituximab to study mechanisms of action and resistance. Alemtuzumab had minimal direct cytotoxicity but caused significant complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) although a subpopulation of CLL cells had intrinsic resistance. Rituximab had no direct cytotoxicity and caused minimal CDC in cells from most patients. These data suggest that CDC has a therapeutic role in patients treated with alemtuzumab and that measures to decrease resistance to CDC could increase efficacy.
Related Topics
Life Sciences
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
Cancer Research
Authors
Clive S. Zent, Charla R. Secreto, Betsy R. LaPlant, Nancy D. Bone, Timothy G. Call, Tait D. Shanafelt, Diane F. Jelinek, Renee C. Tschumper, Neil E. Kay,