Transplantation
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Review Meta Analysis
Alemtuzumab induction therapy in kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Alemtuzumab (MabCampath or Campath; Genzyme, Cambridge, MA) is a CD52-specific monoclonal antibody that causes profound and sustained lymphocyte depletion. Its use as an induction therapy in organ transplantation is increasing. Since our last systematic review in 2006, where we identified the need for good-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs), several RCTs have been published that examine its efficacy and safety in kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current evidence for alemtuzumab induction therapy in kidney transplantation. ⋯ Alemtuzumab induction reduces the risk of BPAR compared with IL-2RAs but not rATG. Because the incidence of other efficacy outcomes (graft loss, DGF, and patient death) was similar, if it is felt that an induction agent is necessary, then our analysis suggests that it is more acceptable to base the choice of induction agent on safety outcomes and/or costs.