Tolerability and efficacy of L-asparaginase therapy in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2010 Oct;32(7):554-63. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e3181e6f003.

Abstract

L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) has been an essential component of multiagent chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in childhood for over 3 decades. There are currently 2 Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved formulations of L-ASNase derived from Escherichia coli and 1 non-FDA approved formulation derived from Erwinia chrysanthemi. Modifications in L-ASNase have included pegylation, which decreases drug immunogenicity and increases the half-life, allowing less frequent administration. Although L-ASNase is well-tolerated in most patients and causes little myelosuppression, significant toxicities occur in up to 30% of patients. Hypersensitivity is the most common toxicity of L-ASNase therapy and limits the further use of the drug. Other significant toxicities relate to a reduction in protein synthesis and include pancreatitis, thrombosis, central nervous system complications, and liver dysfunction. The spectrum of common toxicities and the efficacy of different formulations of L-ASNase are presented in this review.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
  • Asparagine / administration & dosage*
  • Asparagine / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Asparagine