Campath

Campath also known as Alemtuzumab, this is a monoclonal antibody and is used to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In this mode of cancer treatment the drug is administered into the body via infusion or intravenous way. Doctors administer premedication to prevent any infusion related signs and symptoms.

Initially the dosage is low so that the body tolerates the medication slowly the medication is increased, the maximum level once reached the dosage is continued till the completion of treatment cycle. The amount of dosage depends on various factors like your age, height, weight, present body condition, type of cancer and the stage of cancer.

Campath as such does not have any side effects but like all chemotherapy medications this too has side effects that are common to all the other cancer treatments. Some of these side effects are clearly visible at the onset of the treatment and remain until the completion of treatment cycle. These side effects are temporary and disappear after the completion of the treatment; there are certain permanent side effects which causes damage to the internal body organs. The temporary side effects can be minimized using medications.

Usually side effects are seen almost immediately or within an hour or so after the start of the treatment and can go up till one week. Symptoms commonly seen are fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, skin rashes, itching, diarrhea, fatigue, breathlessness, low blood pressure, cough, loss of appetite, muscular pain, bronchitis etc.

You need to contact your doctor immediately if you have persistent coughs, high fever with chills, nausea and vomiting in spite of taking anti-nauseating medications, passing blood in the stool or urine, facing extreme fatigue in spite of taking ample of rest and pain and redness around the site of injection.

Another thing that you need to do is to inform your doctor all about your health history the medications that you are presently on even those herbal supplements, you also need to inform him about any impending pregnancy as this could be harmful for the growth and development of the fetus, you need to take precautions against pregnancy, avoid getting vaccinated or immunized, breast feeding should be strictly avoided, avoid medications that contain aspirin as the main ingredient or a product containing the same.

Campath should also be avoided if you are hypersensitive to other monoclonal antibody. This mode of treatment should also be avoided if you are presently suffering from any infection. You also need to follow the prescription.

Self Care Tips

Using soft bristle toothbrush minimizes bleeding, avoid activities which can cause injury, follow a healthy diet, take anti-nausea medications to prevent nausea and vomiting, have small meals at regular intervals, avoid exposure to direct sun, increase fluid intake and avoid alcoholic drinks and beverages. Get your blood tests done regularly as this will help monitor the internal body organs especially the kidney and liver.

Monoclonal antibodies are referred to as target therapy drugs, as such in cancer treatment the cancerous cells are not only damaged or destroyed but also those normal cells that surround these cancerous cells but monoclonal drugs target the cancerous cells and induce self-destruction thus preventing the further spread of disease. These monoclonal drugs act like keys that fit the matching antigens like lock.