Alemtuzumab is a type of targeted therapy called a monoclonal antibody. It works by binding to a protein called CD52, which is found on the surface of certain white blood cells, including B and T lymphocytes, most monocytes, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and some granulocytes. Many leukemic (cancerous) cells in blood cancers such as B-CLL express CD52.

When alemtuzumab binds to CD52 on these cells, it triggers the immune system to destroy them through a process called antibody-dependent cellular-mediated lysis. This means the body’s own immune cells are recruited to attack and kill the targeted cancer cells. Alemtuzumab can also cause complement-mediated lysis, another immune process that destroys cells. By reducing the number of abnormal white blood cells, alemtuzumab helps control the progression of blood cancers like B-CLL.

Because CD52 is also present on normal immune cells, alemtuzumab can cause significant suppression of the immune system, leading to increased risk of infections and other complications.

alemtuzumab

Common brand names

Approved use in