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Myelotarg (Gemtuzumab)

Gemtuzumab is among drugs known as antibody‑targeted chemotherapy. It has three components:  an antibody targeted against the CD33 antigen which is present on the surface of most AML cells., a potent cytotoxic agent calicheamicin, which is an antitumor antibiotic, and a linker molecule connecting the antibody to the calicheamicin.

The antibody portion of gemtuzumab binds specifically to the CD33 antigen on the surface of myeloid leukemia cells.  The CD33 antigen is expressed on the surface of leukemic blasts in more than 80 percent of patients with AML.  After binding to the CD33 antigen, gemtuzumab is internalized, the calicheamicin released into the leukemic cell, where it binds to DNA causing death of the leukemic cell.  This drug is administered as an intravenous infusion over 2  hours.

Side effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of Myelotarg. Following are some of the most common and important ill effects:

• Low white blood counts

• Low platelet count

• Anemia

• Diarrhea

• Allergic reaction

• Nausea, Vomiting

• Flu-like symptoms

• High or low blood pressure

• Sore mouth

• Taste change

The occurrence of allergic reactions, skin reaction and fluid retention can be reduced by treatment of patients with steroids. It is imperative that patients relay any side effects or problems to their medical oncologists.