CD52 expression in T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia--implications for treatment with alemtuzumab.

Abstract

Few reports on the successful treatment of T-cell large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia with the humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab are emerging in the literature. The expression of CD52 by LGLs has not been previously investigated. Using semi-quantitative 2- and 3-color flow cytometry, we documented the expression of CD52 in 100% of abnormal cells in T-cell LGL leukemia (n = 11) and natural killer (NK) cell LGL leukemia (n = 2), and showed no significant difference in CD52 expression between T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL) and T-cell LGL leukemia. Higher CD52 expression has been noted in responders to alemtuzumab in T-cell PLL and in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a B-cell disorder. The strong and consistent expression of CD52 shown here highlights the potential role of alemtuzumab in the treatment of refractory T-cell LGL leukemia and possibly aggressive NK cell leukemia.

• Authors: N Osuji, I Del Giudice, E Matutes, A Morilla, K Owusu-Ankomah, R Morilla, A Dunlop, D Catovksy
• Journal: Leukemia & lymphoma (Leuk Lymphoma) Vol. 46 Issue 5 Pg. 723-7 (May 2005) ISSN: 1042-8194 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16019510 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Antibodies, Neoplasm
• Antigens, CD
• Antigens, Neoplasm
• Antineoplastic Agents
• CD52 Antigen
• CD52 protein, human
• Glycoproteins
• Alemtuzumab

Topics

• Alemtuzumab
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Antibodies, Neoplasm (therapeutic use)
• Antigens, CD (biosynthesis)
• Antigens, Neoplasm (biosynthesis)
• Antineoplastic Agents (therapeutic use)
• CD52 Antigen
• Flow Cytometry
• Glycoproteins (biosynthesis)
• Humans
• Immunophenotyping
• Leukemia, Lymphoid (drug therapy, immunology)
• Leukemia, T-Cell (drug therapy, immunology)