Monoclonal-antibody therapy in systemic vasculitis
Article Abstract:
While antibodies have always seemed intriguing as possible therapeutic agents, it was not until the advent of monoclonal antibody technology that the application of large amounts of highly purified and suitably specific antibodies became practical. In a case report of a patient with systemic vasculitis, monoclonal antibodies were reported to be effective for inducing a long-lasting remission. Systemic vasculitis occurs when the patient's blood vessels are attacked by the immune system. Antibodies to the Campath-1H antigen, found on lymphoid cells and monocytes, were used in the treatment. Since the antibodies, derived from rats, are also foreign antigens, the CD4 may inhibit an immune response against the treatment. Consequently, the patient was given antibodies to CD4. The antibody administration spanned a 15-day period; the remission achieved by the patient had lasted 12 months at the time of this report. The patient experienced occasional transient skin lesions, but felt generally well, without fever, and returned to work. Since any compromise of the immune system carries the risk of opportunistic infections, it is pleasing to note that no such infections were observed in this patient. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1990
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Anti-IgE antibody therapy for asthma
Article Abstract:
A monoclonal antibody against immunoglobulin E (IgE) may be an effective treatment for asthma. IgE is often involved in allergic diseases. A 1999 study showed that a monoclonal antibody against IgE called rhuMAb-E25 was effective in asthma patients This is an important finding because many people with severe asthma do not benefit from corticosteroids. In addition, corticosteroids have many severe side effects when used for long periods of time. This monoclonal antibody could be useful against other allergies, including allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1999
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Treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis
Article Abstract:
Doctors continue to test drugs that can maintain a remission from vasculitis without causing severe side effects. Most patients receive cyclophosphamide until they go into remission, but about half will have a relapse when they stop taking the drug. Unfortunately, long-term use of cyclophosphamide has serious side effects. A 2003 study showed that azathioprine can maintain the remission without causing serious side effects. Vasculitis is an inflammation of blood vessels.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2003
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