Alemtuzumab (Campath 1-H).

Alemtuzumab is an exciting targeted therapy for patients with CD52-sensitive malignancies. The drug is being used in a variety of hematologic malignancies in different dosing schedules and different routes of administration. The Cancer and Leukemia Group B is conducting a study using alemtuzumab as consolidation treatment for patients with B-CLL. The group also is conducting a phase I and II dose-escalation study using alemtuzumab during intensification therapy in adults with untreated acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A national pharmaceutical protocol is actively accruing participants for a trial in which alemtuzumab is used in combination with fludarabine for relapsed and refractory B-CLL. The SQ route of administration is gaining popularity because it is highly effective with fewer side effects than IV infusions. Nurses administering alemtuzumab are in a unique position to ensure patient safety and tolerance of the therapy. By understanding the mechanism of action and the potential complications associated with alemtuzumab, nurses will be better able to provide optimal care to patients as the use of targeted monoclonal therapy continues to progress.

A pilot study of activity engagement in the first six months after stem cell transplantation.

UNLABELLED: PRPOSE/OBJECTIVES: to describe the natural pace and pattern of activity resumption in the first six months after stem cell transplantation (SCT). DESIGN: longitudinal, descriptive survey. SETTING: bone marrow transplantation program of a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the northeastern United States. SAMPLE: 18 men and 18 women who underwent either autologous (83%) or allogeneic (17%) transplantation. METHODS: participants were surveyed 30 days, 100 days, and six months after SCT. Descriptive statistics were followed by exploratory linear mixed modeling with factors of time, gender, and the interaction between time and gender. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: a modified checklist version of the Activity Card Sort was used to measure activity retention. FINDINGS: participants generally were performing 49% of their usual activities 30 days after transplantation, 70% of their premorbid activities 100 days after transplantation, and 77% of their premorbid activities six months after transplantation. Level of activity engagement increased over time, with the greatest changes observed from 30-100 days after SCT. Men retained more of their activities than women in the domains of low physical-demand leisure and social activities. CONCLUSIONS: rehabilitation screening may be most helpful in the period from 100 days to six months, when activity levels begin to plateau. Activity recovery may differ for men and women; future research should explore how this could affect rehabilitation needs. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: nurses can use structured surveys to explore and promote patients' satisfaction with and ability to engage in daily activities and ensure appropriate referrals to rehabilitation during recovery from SCT.