Pegaspargase

Pegaspargase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of circulating L-asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia. This deprives malignant cells, such as those in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, of asparagine, which they cannot synthesize themselves in adequate amounts for protein synthesis. This deprivation leads to inhibition of protein synthesis and ultimately cell death in these malignant cells.

Adult

Adult 18–21 years: 2500 units/m2 every 14 days by intramuscular injection or intravenous infusion. Adult 22 years and over: 2000 units/m2 every 14 days by intramuscular injection or intravenous infusion.

• History of pancreatitis
• History of serious haemorrhagic event with previous L-asparaginase therapy
• History of serious thrombosis with previous L-asparaginase therapy