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Carboxypeptidase-G2 rescue in cancer patients with delayed methotrexate elimination after high-dose methotrexate
Anke S Krause1, Martin R Weihrauch, Udo Bode
1Department for Internal Medicine I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. anke-drkrause@lycos.de
Abstract:
High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is a component of many cancer treatment regimens. Despite careful management, delayed renal clearance, followed by extremely high serum levels with potentially life-threatening toxicity can occur. In the present study, we report our results of carboxypeptidase-G2 (CPDG2) rescue in 8 patients with delayed methotrexate elimination and renal impairment after HDMTX therapy for lymphoma or osteosarcoma. A dose of 50 U/kg CPDG2 was administered. MTX plasma levels decreased rapidly and recovery of renal function was observed in all patients. No patient developed severe WHO grade 4 MTX toxicity. CPDG2 provides an alternative route of MTX elimination by converting it to inactive and non-toxic metabolites. CPDG2 rescue was well tolerated, safe and very effective in preventing severe or life-threatening MTX toxicity.
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