What role does gemtuzumab ozogamicin have in the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia?

Abstract

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) is a novel, targeted chemotherapy designed to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). GO consists of an antitumor antibiotic, calicheamicin, linked to a humanized monoclonal antibody against CD33. It has been approved in the United States since 2000 to treat CD33+ AML in first relapse in older adults who are not candidates for cytotoxic therapy. Beyond this indication, the role of GO is evolving. Single-agent GO has a limited role in de novo AML. Incorporation of GO into standard induction treatment in de novo and relapsed AML is feasible. Comparative phase III studies of such an approach are ongoing. GO is associated with serious toxicities, such as infusional reactions, transient liver function test abnormalities, and veno-occlusive disease of the liver, especially in patients who undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Update on Non-M3 Acute Myeloid Leukemia — Etiology, Classification, Risk Stratification, Emergencies, Complications, Disease in Special Circumstances and Current and Future Therapeutics

“…GO is a humanized anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody that was approved by the food and drug authority (FDA) in the USA in 2000 for the treatment of AML in first relapse in patients older than 60 years who are unfit for more intensive chemotherapy [235,236]. In recipients of HSCT, the main adverse effects of GO treatment are anaphylactic reactions, adult respiratory distress syndrome, hepatotoxicity and VOD [235][236][237][238]. GO has been shown to be effective in CD33 positive de novo AML even in younger adults and children either a single agent or in combination with conventional induction chemotherapy.…”