Severe, refractory, non-malignant type I cryoglobulinemia treated with alemtuzumab

Rheumatol Int. 2007 Oct;27(12):1173-5. doi: 10.1007/s00296-007-0354-1. Epub 2007 Apr 19.

Abstract

A 41 year old female with type I cryoglobulinemia, refractory to methylprednisolone, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide complicated by a rising serum viscosity was treated with alemtuzumab. After a cumulative dose of 1,085 mg of alemtuzumab, her serum viscosity decreased to normal. Treatment toxicity was limited to fungal esophagitis responsive to topical therapy. This case demonstrates the potential use of alemtuzumab in the treatment of refractory cryoglobulinemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alemtuzumab
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antibodies, Neoplasm / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Blood Viscosity / drug effects
  • Cryoglobulinemia / diagnosis
  • Cryoglobulinemia / drug therapy*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple / drug effects
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Remission Induction
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antibodies, Neoplasm
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Alemtuzumab