Chronic lymphocytic leukemia h

[Rick48]

My doctor is thinking about starting me with treatment for my CLL with antibody infusions what can I expect as far as reactions to the treatment

[Newdawn Administrator]

Rick, it sounds like you may be describing infusions of immunoglobulins (antibodies) known as IVIG rather than CLL treatment but it’s hard to be sure without more detailed information. Did he mean monoclonal antibodies?

When one of our key immunoglobulins IgG, falls low, we can become more prone to infections and infusions are given usually on a monthly basis in the haematology day unit or sub cutaneously at home (this is self administered after instruction).

This treatment doesn’t impact on the progress of our CLL but it boosts what is essentially our secondary immune system. I received IVIG monthly for a year and thankfully suffered no reactions or issues at all apart from a bit of fatigue afterwards.

Is it definitely antibody infusions you’re meaning or is the start of treatment for your CLL?

I see it’s your first post so welcome. Can you tell us more about your health situation so we can advise more accurately.

Regards,

Newdawn

[AussieNeil Administrator]

Hi Rick and welcome!

As Newdawn says, we will be better able to help you if can share more about your health situation. You can edit your bio via this link healthunlocked.com/profile/... to save yourself repeating it each time you post a question.

If you are having IgG infusions, then you have plenty of company here. I have them subcutaneously weekly after initially having them via IV (IVIG). The trigger for specialists prescribing them, is serious recent bacterial infections (last year or so) coupled with a low IgG count, indicating that you need infusions of IgG from 1,000 plus blood donors, sharing their combined immunity with you.

If, on the other hand, you meant anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody infusions, then that would probably be rituximab (product name Mabthera or Rituxan) or obinutuzumab (product name Gazyva). These antibodies lock onto B cells, including CLL cells, marking them for destruction by your immune system. They work very rapidly to reduce your tumour burden, but are nearly always prescribed with an oral therapy - tablets or capsules taken once or twice daily.

There is lots of community experience with all of the above. If you know the name of what you are being prescribed, you'll get lots of previous posts about member experiences if you use the search field at the top of this page healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Neil

[markjeep51]

I've been on IgG infusioins for the past year and have zero reactions. It is no big deal. Sitting in the clinic getting the infusions gives me time to catch up on my reading.

[Newdawn Administrator]

I see you’ve posted again on this issue Rick advising that the infusions are to be Obinutuzumab.

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Newdawn

[Jacksc06]

Hi Rick Neil and Dawn have given you some great advice l. I personally just wanted to say welcome to the family.