[L-asparaginase study results (phase II of the clinical trials)]

Phase II clinical trials of L-asparaginase of leunase manufactured by "Kyowa" (Japan) was performed in cooperation by 5 institutions of the USSR on 49 patients with various forms of hemoblastosis, including 15 patients aged 1 to 15 and 34 patients aged 16 to 75. The drug was used in a daily dose of 200 IU per 1 kg body weight administered as intravenous drips daily for 2--3 weeks. The daily dose was divided into 2 doses administered at an interval of 12 hours. The efficiency of the treatment did not depend on the patients' sex. Significant efficiency of leunase was observed in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (85.7 per cent). The use of the drug in treatment of adults with systemic malignant blood affections was less effective. Some effects recorded in patients with generalized forms of hematosarcoma were transient. The following side effects were noted: nausea, vomiting in 8 children and 13 adults, allergic reactions in the form of pruritus and rashes in 8 adults, impairment of liver and pancreatic functions in 2 children and 1 adult. Acute pancreatonecrosis was recorded in one child. The effect on the peripheral blood was insignificant. Leunase has probably no advantages as compared to other L-asparaginase preparations.