We all know that fighting cancer is not an easy journey. In the meantime, when the doctor tells us about a new medicine, especially a vaccine, it is normal for us to have questions and fears. Alemtuzumab is a special, powerful vaccine used to treat such cancer. So today, let's talk about this medicine called Alemtuzumab, how it works in the body, what we need to be careful about, and the possible side effects.
What is Alemtuzumab? How does it work?
Alemtuzumab is a drug that is mainly used to treat blood-related cancers such as leukemia. It belongs to the class of monoclonal antibodies .
Now you might be wondering what a monoclonal antibody is. Think of it like a specially trained, unerring missile. There is a special protein in our body that helps cancer cells grow, divide, and multiply. What this Alemtuzumab vaccine does is to specifically identify cancer cells that have that protein, attach to them, and stop them from functioning. In other words, it works by closing a door that is necessary for the growth of cancer cells. As a result, the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread in the body is reduced, or even stopped altogether.
What's special about this drug is that it largely targets only cancer cells. Therefore, the damage to normal healthy cells may be less than some other cancer treatments.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to give your doctor a clear picture of your overall health. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular.
- Immune system problems: If you have any weakness, problem, or related condition in your immune system.
- Current infections: If you currently have any infectious conditions such as fever, cold, cough.
- Blood problems: If you have ever had a condition where your blood has a low number of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets.
- Vaccinations: If you have recently received any vaccinations, or are planning to receive any in the future.
- Allergies: If you have allergies to the drug Alemtuzumab, the ingredients used to make it (e.g. hamster proteins), other medications, foods, or dyes.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should definitely tell your doctor.
How is this medicine given and used?
This medicine is not something you can take home. It is a vaccine that is injected into a vein . Therefore, it is given in a hospital or clinic, under the full supervision of doctors and nursing staff.
It is very important that you come to the hospital for treatment on your scheduled dates. If for some reason you are unable to come on your scheduled date, please inform your medical team immediately.
Since this medicine is given in a hospital, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, you should immediately inform a doctor or the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . If you suspect poisoning, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to be especially careful about during treatment
You need to take a little more care of your health while taking this medicine.
Constant medical supervision
Your doctor will monitor you closely throughout your treatment. You will also need to have regular blood tests to monitor the effects of the medication and your health.
Infusion Reactions
When this medicine is given intravenously, some people may experience 'infusion reactions'. These are reactions that occur immediately after the medicine is given to the body. These may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and feeling cold and feverish. To reduce this risk, your doctor may give you other medicines (such as paracetamol or allergy medicine) before the Alemtuzumab injection. It is therefore very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
Risk of infection
Since this medicine weakens our immune system, you may easily get infections . Therefore, do not ignore a slight cold, fever, cough, sore throat, or body ache during this time. Do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor immediately. It is also wise to stay away from people who are sick and avoid crowded places during this time.
Risk of bleeding
This medicine may affect the number of platelets, which help the blood to clot. This may cause you to bruise more easily than usual, or make it harder to stop bleeding from even a small cut. If you bruise easily, your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, or if you have bleeding that cannot be stopped, tell your doctor.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
- Pregnancy: You should completely avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping treatment . For this, it is essential for both women and men to use an effective method of birth control. Talk to your doctor about this and choose the best method.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby during treatment and for 3 months after stopping .
- Fertility: This medication may affect fertility. If you have any concerns about this, discuss it openly with your doctor before starting treatment.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Alemtuzumab can cause side effects. Although not everyone gets them, it is important to be aware of them, as some of them can be serious.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, pain when urinating. |
| Infusion Reactions | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, fainting or dizziness. |
| Symptoms of low blood cell count | Paleness, unusual tiredness, fatigue, headache, shortness of breath (decreased red blood cells). |
| Abnormal bleeding | Bruising for no reason, bleeding that cannot be stopped, bleeding gums. |
| Usually not dangerous (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Digestive system problems | Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting. |
| Sleep problems | Insomnia. |
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes. While taking this medicine, you should avoid getting live virus vaccines, especially those that contain live viruses . For example, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, chickenpox vaccine, etc. This is because, since your immune system is weakened, the weakened live virus in these vaccines can actually make you sick. So if you are going to get any vaccine, tell your oncologist in advance.
Additionally, tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements), as well as whether you smoke or drink alcohol, as some things can interact with this medication.
Take-Home Message
- Alemtuzumab is a special vaccine that targets and destroys cancer cells, given for cancers such as leukemia.
- This treatment is only given in a hospital, under medical supervision.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all other medications you are taking.
- The two main risks are infusion reactions and an increased risk of infections. Watch for symptoms such as fever and difficulty breathing.
- It is imperative to follow a strict birth control method and avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 3 months after stopping.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions, fears, or doubts you may have during this journey. You are not alone in this battle.
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