Please check your internet connection and try again.
# Mylotarg (gemtuzumab ozogamicin)
## Overview
Mylotarg is a targeted immunotherapy, specifically an antibody-drug conjugate, that targets CD33-expressing cancer cells. It consists of a humanized anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody linked to the cytotoxic agent calicheamicin.
## Primary Indications
* Treatment of newly diagnosed adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are ineligible for intensive induction chemotherapy.
* Treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory AML.
## Adult Dosing
**Newly Diagnosed, Chemotherapy-Ineligible AML:**
* **First cycle:** 3 mg/kg on Day 1, Day 4, and Day 7.
* **Second cycle (if achieving response):** 3 mg/kg on Day 1.
* The second cycle should be administered approximately 14 to 21 days after the first cycle.
**Relapsed or Refractory AML:**
* **First cycle:** 6 mg/kg on Day 1.
* **Second cycle (if achieving response):** 3 mg/kg on Day 1, approximately 14 to 21 days after the first cycle.
* The maximum cumulative dose should not exceed 23.4 mg/kg.
## Pediatric Dosing
Mylotarg is **not approved** for pediatric use. Limited data exists, and use would be considered off-label under specialist guidance.
## Dose Adjustments
* **Hepatic Impairment:** If bilirubin > 1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) or AST/ALT > 3 times ULN, the drug should be **held**. Once bilirubin is ≤ 1.5 ULN and AST/ALT are ≤ 3 ULN, Mylotarg can be administered at a reduced dose of 1.5 mg/kg.
* **Renal Impairment:** No specific dose adjustments are recommended for mild to moderate renal impairment. Data is limited for severe renal impairment.
## Contraindications
* None listed in standard prescribing information.
## Adverse Effects
* **Hepatotoxicity:** Severe and potentially fatal hepatotoxicity, including hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD)/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), hyperbilirubinemia, and elevated AST/ALT.
* **Myelosuppression:** Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and febrile neutropenia.
* **Hemorrhage:** Including severe and fatal bleeding events.
* **Infusion-related reactions:** Fever, chills, rash, dyspnea.
* **Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mucositis, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy.**
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors/Inducers:** While gemtuzumab ozogamicin is an antibody-drug conjugate, caution is advised if co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, as the cytotoxic payload (calicheamicin) might be subject to some metabolic pathways. However, clinically significant interactions are not well-established.
## Monitoring
* **Liver Function Tests (LFTs):** Regularly monitor bilirubin, AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase, especially prior to each dose and as clinically indicated. Monitor closely for signs and symptoms of VOD/SOS.
* **Complete Blood Counts (CBCs):** Monitor for myelosuppression, including neutrophil count, platelet count, and hemoglobin.
* **Bleeding Events:** Monitor for signs and symptoms of bleeding.
* **Infusion-related reactions:** Monitor vital signs and patient for signs of reaction during and after infusion.
## Clinical Pearls
* **Hepatotoxicity is a significant risk.** Patients should be closely monitored for signs of VOD/SOS, including jaundice, ascites, hepatomegaly, and right upper quadrant pain. Dose modifications or discontinuation may be necessary.
* **Consider prophylactic measures** for febrile neutropenia and bleeding based on patient's clinical status and local guidelines.
* **Administer over 2 hours.** Monitor patients closely for infusion-related reactions.
* **Restarting therapy after a response** in the newly diagnosed indication should occur approximately 14-21 days after the first cycle, provided ANC is ≥ 1.5 x 10^9/L, platelets are ≥ 50 x 10^9/L, and bilirubin is ≤ 1.5 ULN.
***
**Disclaimer:** This information is intended for healthcare professionals and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult the most current prescribing information and relevant guidelines before making treatment decisions. Drug information can change rapidly.