
Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin for Relapsed/Refractory AML
Relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a devastating diagnosis with a very low five-year survival rate. Fortunately, researchers are constantly exploring new and improved treatment options. This article explores the potential of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) for patients with relapsed/refractory AML.
What is Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin (GO)?
Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin (Mylotarg, Pfizer) is an anti-CD33 antibody-drug conjugate. This means it targets a protein called CD33, found on the surface of many AML cells. The antibody delivers a chemotherapy drug directly to the cancer cells, potentially increasing its effectiveness while minimizing side effects on healthy tissues.
A large majority of AML diagnoses express the CD33 antigen. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin is an anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody. It is “FDA approved for patients with AML who cannot tolerate intensive chemotherapy, and additionally received FDA approval in the RR-AML setting on the basis of a modest complete response (CR) rate of 26%.”
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin is optimal for newly diagnosed CD33-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults and pediatric patients 1 month and older and adults and children who are 2 years old or older, and who have CD33-positive AML that is relapsed or refractory.
The following are all clinical trials using gemtuzumab ozogamicin:
Several clinical trials are investigating the effectiveness and safety of GO combined with other treatments for relapsed/refractory AML. Here are some ongoing and completed trials:
GO in combination with liposomal cytarabine and daunorubicin
- 18 pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory AML - Phase I trial recruiting
- 50 patients with relapsed/refractory AML or high-risk MDS - Phase II trial recruiting
GO with fludarabine/cytarabine with or without venetoclax
- This is a trial for children, adolescents, and young adults with 2nd relapsed AML or 1st relapsed AML unable to receive additional anthracycline.
- Phase III trial recruiting 98 participants
GO and midostaurin with standard chemotherapy
- This is a dose-finding study to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) schedule of GO and its safety and tolerability in combination with midostaurin in FLT3-mutated newly diagnosed AML patients.
- Phase I recruiting 18 patients
GO combined with chemotherapy in newly diagnosed AML
- This Phase II evaluates the safety of a regimen incorporating fludarabine phosphate (fludarabine), high-dose cytarabine, filgrastim-sndz, idarubicin hydrochloride (idarubicin), and GO in patients with untreated inv(16) or t(8;21) AML.
- Recruiting 270 patients
To continue exploring open clinical trials for AML patients, use the Healthtree's Clinical Trial Finder HERE
CREATE A FREE HEALTHTREE ACCOUNT

Lisa Foster
Lisa Foster is a mom of 3 daughters and 1 perfect grandchild, a puzzle lover, writer and HealthTree advocate. She believes in the mission of the foundation and the team that builds it forward. She calls Houston, Texas home.