Ofatumumab
Arzerra is a monoclonalDerived from a single source. In the context of cancer, the term is used in two ways: 1) to refer to the fact that tumors arise from a single damaged cell and 2) to describe the antibodies used in the treatment of cancer. antibodyAntibody molecules tightly bind to their targets (usually proteins) with great specificity. Antibody binding alerts the immune system to target the bound molecule for destruction. Specific antibodies can be made in the laboratory. , which uses natural immune functions to fight cancer cells. Arzerra is typically used in conjunction with chemotherapyTreatment of cancer patients with anticancer drugs. Commonly called 'chemo'. These drugs work by attacking cell growth or division. Often these agents are used in combination to take advantage of their different modes of attack on cell division. to fight chronic lymphocytic leukemiaA cancer affecting the cells that develop into white or red blood cells. Both of these cell types originate from stem cells in bone marrow. Red blood cells function to carry oxygen to our tissues and the white cells (leukocytes) are part of our immune system. The cancerous cells often accumulate in the blood. (CLL) in adults.1
Ofatumumab, which is used in the treatment of CCL, is a human monoclonalDerived from a single source. In the context of cancer, the term is used in two ways: 1) to refer to the fact that tumors arise from a single damaged cell and 2) to describe the antibodies used in the treatment of cancer. antibodyAntibody molecules tightly bind to their targets (usually proteins) with great specificity. Antibody binding alerts the immune system to target the bound molecule for destruction. Specific antibodies can be made in the laboratory. to CD20, which is a cell surface antigenAny substance capable of being recognized by the immune system. Recognition of such a substance leads to the generation of an immune response. found on pre-B and mature B lymphocytes. Ofatumumab also has vast immunosuppressive activity, which means it can have poor reactions in patients with Hepatitis B and HBV.1
The diagram below shows the 3D model of Ofatumumab.
Arzerra can cause a side effect called infusion reaction, which requires stoppage of treatment and immediate attention. Symptoms of infusion reaction include: fever, chills, rash, hives, chest pain, back pain, stomach pain, swelling dizziness and cold-like symptoms. More common side effects of Arzerra include: low white blood cell count, pneumonia, fever, cough, diarrhea, low red blood cell count, tiredness, shortness of breath, rash, nausea and upper respiratory problems.1
Tell your doctor if you have Hepatitis B or are a carrier for HBV, as Arzerra can cause infections to worsen. Arzerra in conjunction with HBV can also cause severe liver problems and possible death. During infusions patients should be aware of infusion reaction occurring, which has symptoms that include: fever, chills, rash, hives, chest pain, back pain, stomach pain, swelling dizziness and cold-like symptoms.1
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