Evaluation of dose and schedule of L-asparaginase in multidrug therapy of childhood leukemia.
Six regimens utilizing L-asparaginase in doses of 6,000 IU/M2, 2,000 IU/M2, and 500 IU/M2 in two separate schedules (consecutive and intermittent) along with vincristine and prednisone yielded remarkably similar response rates, approximating 70%, in 306 previously treated children with acute leukemia in relapse. The addition of daunorubicin to one regimen did not alter the response rate. Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 5% and hyperglycemia in 7%. Lower doses of L-asparaginase significantly reduced the hypersensitivity rate but no such pattern was noted for hyperglycemia. A history of prior resistance to prednisone and vincristine significantly reduced the response rate.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D001215:Asparaginase / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003630:Daunorubicin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D007223:Infant; D007938:Leukemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014750:Vincristine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014750:Vincristine; D001215:Asparaginase; D011241:Prednisone; D003630:Daunorubicin