Cladribine
A one-week infusion that puts most people with hairy cell leukaemia into remission for years; also used in multiple sclerosis in tablet form.
Piro et al. (NEJM 1990) reported durable complete remissions in hairy cell leukaemia from a single 7-day course; approved 1993. Also used in mastocytosis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, Waldenström and AML regimens (CLAG-M). Prolonged CD4 lymphopenia and infection risk; adding rituximab increases MRD-negative remission.
- Medicare
- Part B (clinician-administered)
Given by infusion or injection in a clinic or hospital outpatient department, so it is a Part B drug: Medicare pays 80% after the Part B deductible and the patient owes 20% coinsurance, uncapped in Original Medicare unless a Medigap policy applies. Generic; IV or subcutaneous for hairy cell leukaemia. (Oral cladribine, Mavenclad, is a multiple sclerosis drug and Part D.)
- Commercial insurance
- covered on label
Multi-source generic; covered under the medical benefit without prior authorisation in most plans, as part of standard regimens.
Sources: Medicare.gov: Chemotherapy · Medicare.gov: Prescription drugs (outpatient, Part B). Not medical or financial advice; verify with your plan.
- Notes
- Generic; standard first-line for hairy cell leukaemia. Funded routinely.
- NHS England
- Routinely funded for the appraised indication (or via managed access)
Sources: NICE search: cladribine. Funding decisions are indication-specific and change monthly; verify with NICE and your treating team.
Approvals
| Region | Year | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| US | 1993 | Active hairy cell leukaemia |
| EU | 2004 | Hairy cell leukaemia (Litak, subcutaneous) |
Trials
topRecruiting now (live from ClinicalTrials.gov)
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Latest papers
topQuery for this drug: (TITLE:"Cladribine" OR ABSTRACT:"Cladribine" OR TITLE:"Leustatin" OR ABSTRACT:"Leustatin" OR TITLE:"Litak" OR ABSTRACT:"Litak") AND (cancer OR tumor OR tumour OR oncology OR carcinoma OR lymphoma OR leukemia OR leukaemia OR myeloma OR sarcoma OR melanoma OR glioma). Results are unfiltered search hits about Cladribine, not a curated reading list.
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