The Sound of Evolution
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin
Mechanism of action:
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin is an antibody-drug conjugate consisting of an anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody linked to a cytotoxic agent. After gemtuzumab ozogamicin binds to CD33 on the surface of leukemia cells, the entire complex is internalized into the cell, where it releases the cytotoxic drug calicheamicin. Calicheamicin binds to DNA and induces double-strand DNA breaks, ultimately leading to apoptosis of leukemia cells.
Reference(s):
1. Bross PF et al. (2001). Approval summary: gemtuzumab ozogamicin in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia. Clin Cancer Res.
2. Giles FJ et al. (2001). Mylotarg (gemtuzumab ozogamicin) therapy is associated with hepatic venoocclusive disease in patients who have not received stem cell transplantation. Cancer.
3. Wadleigh M et al. (2003). Prior gemtuzumab ozogamicin exposure significantly increases the risk of veno-occlusive disease in patients who undergo myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Blood.