title: Pegaspargase.
abstract: L-asparaginase is an antineoplastic agent proven to be effective in depleting the amino acid L-asparagine in patients with childhood and adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It has become a significant part of most chemotherapy protocols, however, its use is sometimes limited by the development of hypersensitivity reactions. Pegaspargase offers leukemia patients adequate asparagine depletion with a reduced incidence of hypersensitivity. Other advantages include a longer circulating half-life, increased solubility, and increased resistance to proteolysis, which allows administration of smaller dosages at less-frequent intervals.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Alfieri
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001215:Asparaginase / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C042705:pegaspargase; D001215:Asparaginase