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Asparaginase review
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Asparaginase is an anti-leukemia drug, primarily marketed with the brand name Elspar. It is an enzyme-based drug used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and also sees usage in some mast cell tumor treatments. It is an enzyme that works by jump-starting the conversion of asparagine to aspartic acid. This causes a shortage of asparagines in the tumor cells, as this is a critical amino acid important for protein synthesis. This inhibits their growth and helps treat the cancerous growths. In is often available as a powder to be diluted for injections or as a sterile plug.
Asparaginase is special because it can be administered in a variety of ways such as subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous injections without risk of tissue irritation – unlike some other chemotherapy drugs available.
Available under many other names such as L-asparagine amidohydrolase, Colaspase, or Crasnitin, it is given as part of a larger multidrug treatment for ALL patients. Asparaginase is also used to treat other types of leukemia such as acute myeloid and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It can also be used in the treatment of both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s varieties of lymphoma.
Individual dosage will vary from patient to patient, depending on the patient’s response to the overall treatment. The doctor may also perform a skin test to determine any reaction to the drug before your first treatment or before resuming asparaginase treatment after a long time. However, this test is not always effective in the detection of allergic reaction asparaginase., and may have to give a small sample dose in order to verify your condition.
If a reaction was caused by the sample dose, the doctor may discontinue asparaginase treatment and suggest another drug, or he may try to gradually introduce the drug along with pre-medication to suppress the allergic reactions. Drink plenty of fluids while taking asparaginase unless the doctor says otherwise.
Care should be taken when mixing the powdered form of asparaginase. Make sure to follow all instructions and check for remaining particles in the mixture. If particles or discoloration are present, do not use the solution. If asparaginase is to be administered intravenously, make sure to use an in-line IV filter (5 microns) after mixing it in with the solution.
Common side effects include fatigue, swelling in the lips and eyes, shortness of breath among others. Some users may also experience a loss of appetite and even fertility. Stomach cramps, headaches and vomiting are also common side effects but do not need serious medical attention.
Other symptoms may need special attention of your doctor. Some cases show loss of bone marrow function, leading to a lower level of white blood cell production. This can leave you very susceptible to life-threatening infections. This can also causes pancreatitis, or the swelling of the pancreas. This can affect blood sugar levels, especially for diabetics. Finally, asparaginase may very rarely cause nervous system damage. If you feel any persistent drowsiness, agitation or hallucination, consult your doctor immediately.
Those who have bleeding conditions or who take aspirin should notify your physician as asparaginase may increase risk for bleeding. Diabetics should also inform doctors of their conditions as blood sugars may increase suddenly upon taking asparaginase. Pregnant women should also know that asparaginase may harm the unborn child, and should consult with their doctors.
• Molecular formula of asparaginase is C1377H2208N382O442S17
• Chemical IUPAC Name is L-asparagine amidohydrolase
• Molecular weight is 31731.9 g/mol
Brand name(s): Elspar
Review published on: 09 June 2009
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