Campath-1H therapy in refractory ocular inflammatory disease
- Andrew D Dicka,
- Paul Meyerb,
- Teife Jamesc,
- John V Forrestera,
- Geoff Haled,
- Herman Waldmannd,
- John D Isaacse
- aDepartment of Ophthalmology, University of Aberdeen Medical School, bDepartment of Ophthalmology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, cDepartment of Ophthalmology, St James's Hospital, Leeds, dSir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, eRheumatology Research Unit, University of Leeds
- Dr John Isaacs, Molecular Medicine Unit, Clinical Sciences Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF
- Accepted 28 September 1999
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standard therapy for severe, immune mediated, ocular inflammation has significant side effects, and may fail to control the disease. T cell directed monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy can provide long term remission of inflammatory disease in experimental models. The Campath-1H mAb was administered to patients with severe, refractory, ocular inflammation.
METHODS 10 patients with severe, refractory, non-infectious ocular inflammatory disease were treated with Campath-1H mAb. This is a fully humanised mAb which recognises the pan-lymphocyte antigen CD52.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Following Campath-1H therapy, all 10 patients showed an initial resolution of their ocular symptoms and signs. Long lasting remissions were achieved in eight patients, in whom baseline immunosuppression could subsequently be reduced to minimal levels. The possible mechanisms of action of Campath-1H therapy are discussed.
