Browser does not support script.
Skip to main content
search here
Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
This information is about alemtuzumab, which is commonly known as Campath®. It is mainly used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia| (CLL), but it's sometimes used to treat other types of cancer as part of research trials|.
Campath is one of a group of cancer drugs known as monoclonal antibodies|. Monoclonal antibodies recognise and lock on to specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells. This helps the body's immune system recognise the cancer cells and destroy them. Monoclonal antibodies are sometimes called targeted therapies because they are designed to target cancer cells.
Campath locks on to a protein called CD52, which is found on the surface of a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. This triggers the body’s immune system to attack the cells and destroy them.
Because CD52 is found on the surface of both normal and abnormal (malignant) lymphocytes, Campath reduces the numbers of both of these in your body.
However, the body can replace normal lymphocytes that are damaged so their numbers recover once treatment is over.
Campath is mainly used to treat CLL, a type of blood cancer in which large amounts of abnormal lymphocytes are made.
It's licensed as a treatment for people with CLL who can't have treatment with fludarabine| in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
It may also be used as part of research trials to treat other types of leukaemia or lymphoma|.
After being diluted, Campath is a colourless fluid.
Campath is given into a vein as a drip (intraveneous infusion) over about two hours. Less commonly, it can also be given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously). Most people have treatment with Campath for 4-12 weeks.
Campath may cause an allergic reaction, especially in the first week of treatment, so you'll be given medicines before the infusion to reduce the risk of a reaction. If you do have a reaction, the infusion can be stopped and restarted once you feel better.
To reduce the risk of a reaction, you'll be given a low dose of Campath for your first infusion. The dose will then be increased each day until the recommended dose is achieved. This usually takes 3-7 days and is known as dose escalation.
You may need to stay in hospital overnight while you're having dose escalation. Once you're on the recommended dose of Campath, you will have treatment three times a week (for example on Monday, Wednesday and Friday) as an outpatient. You may be asked to stay in hospital for a few hours after each infusion so that you can be monitored for signs of a reaction.
Each person’s reaction to cancer treatment is different. Some people have very few side effects while others may experience more. The side effects described below won't affect everyone who has this treatment.
We've outlined the most common side effects, but haven't included those that are rare and therefore unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects that aren't listed below, discuss them with your doctor or specialist nurse.
Most side effects of Campath fall into two groups:
These are common, especially during the first week of treatment. Reactions are usually mild or moderate but sometimes they can be more severe. If you have a reaction, it can usually be treated by stopping the drip until you feel better.
Campath can cause a fall in blood pressure in some people. So, your blood pressure will be checked regularly during the infusion. If you normally take medicines to lower your blood pressure, discuss this with your doctor.
You’ll be monitored closely during your infusion but it's very important to tell your nurse or doctor if you feel unwell or have any of the following symptoms:
Sometimes a reaction may occur a few hours after treatment. If you develop these symptoms or feel unwell after you get home, contact the hospital straight away for advice.
Campath reduces the number of white blood cells called lymphocytes in your blood. It may also reduce the numbers of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils.
White blood cells play an important role in fighting infections. So, you'll be more prone to infection| during your treatment and for a while afterwards.
To help prevent infections, you'll be given antibiotics and anti-virals (drugs that fight viruses) to take during your treatment and for at least two months afterwards.
Contact your doctor or the hospital straight away if:
Campath can reduce the production of platelets, which help the blood to clot. Tell your doctor if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood spots or rashes on the skin.
This can usually be easily controlled with medicine, but let your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It's important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea|.
This can usually be managed by eating a high-fibre diet and drinking plenty of fluids. You may also need simple laxatives. Let your doctor know if you become constipated|.
A dietitian or specialist nurse at your hospital can give advice about how to boost your appetite and maintain your weight. You might find it helpful to watch our slideshow with tips on how coping with a poor appetite|.
It's important to tell your doctor about this, as they can prescribe painkillers.
Let your doctor or nurse know if you develop a cough or have any breathlessness|.
It's important to let your doctor know straight away if you feel unwell or have any severe side effects, even it they're not mentioned above.
In some people a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is already in their body, may become active during treatment with Campath. This may cause symptoms.
CMV is a common virus that many people have been exposed to at some point in their lives. Usually CMV infection causes no symptoms, or very few, so most people don't know they've had it. Once the virus is in your system, it stays in your body for life. But it's normally inactive (dormant) and doesn't cause any problems.
To help prevent CMV from becoming active, you'll be given tablets that work against viruses (antivirals). You'll take these during treatment and for at least two months afterwards. You will also have regular tests to check CMV levels in your blood. If these tests show that CMV is becoming active, it will be treated with additional antiviral medicines.
Campath may worsen heart problems in people who already have them. For this reason, it will be used with caution if you've had heart disease.
It's not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while having Campath, as it may harm the developing baby. It’s important to use effective contraception while having this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. You can discuss this with your doctor.
It’s not known whether biological therapies can be present in semen or vaginal fluids. To protect your partner, it’s safest to either avoid sex or use a barrier form of contraception for about 48 hours after treatment.
You should avoid having live vaccines during treatment and for at least 12 months afterwards. Live vaccines include BCG, yellow fever, measles, mumps, rubella, liquid typhoid, poliomyelitis liquid and MMR.
If you need a blood| or platelet transfusion| during or after treatment with Campath, you'll be given blood or platelets that have been treated with radiation (irradiated). This is to stop any white blood cells that may be in the transfusion from causing you problems.
Irradiating blood products doesn’t make them radioactive.
You will be given a card to carry to remind the hospital staff that you should only be given irradiated blood products and it will be recorded in your hospital notes.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.