Feasibility/Phase II Trial of Fludarabine, Rituximab, and Alemtuzumab for Previously Treated B-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)

Immunotherapy, or treatments that work by boosting immune function in the body, such as monoclonal antibodies have shown some efficacy against different types of leukemia. Researchers have learned to manufacture antibodies outside of the human body that can bind to specific targets in cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies are designed to recognize different proteins on specific cancer cells. The current study combines two monoclonal antibodies, rituximab and fludarabine. Rituximab attaches to a protein called the CD20 antigen that is found almost exclusively on the surface of B-cells with leukemia. Once rituximab attaches to the protein, the immune system activates to kill the malignant B-cells. Alemtuzumab works in a similar way by attaching with the CD25 antigen and also has activity in patients with p53 gene mutations. Previous studies indicate that both rituximab and alemtuzumab separately have some efficacy against lymphocytic leukemia. Research has also shown that fludarabine works against the disease. Rituximab and fludarabine in combination appear to have a high response rate in patients. Researchers are seeking to improve efficacy data by adding alemtuzumab to the combination of rituximab and fludarabine in this study.

This study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of fludarabine, rituximab, and alemtuzumab in patients with previously treated B-cell lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic leukemia. Blood and bone marrow tests will assess genetic features associated with response to therapy, immune recovery, mechanisms of alemtuzumab's signaling, routes of drug resistance, and traces of residual disease following complete response in patients.

Patients in this study will receive fludarabine, rituximab, and alemtuzumab. These drugs will be administered through intravenous infusions. The treatment period will last 22 weeks. Fludarabine will not be given during week one, 5 days during week 2, and 5 days during weeks 6, 10, 14, 18, and 22. Rituximab will not be given during week one, 3 times the second week, and day one of weeks 6, 10, 14, 18, and 22. Alemtuzumab will be given 3 times during week one, once during week 2, and day 2 of weeks 6, 10, 14, 18, and 22. The dosage amount of rituximab and alemtuzumab will be increased depending upon the degree of side effects. Several tests and exams will be given throughout the study to closely monitor patients. Treatments will be discontinued due to disease growth or unacceptable side effects.