Phase I study of L-asparaginase (NSC 109229)

22 patients received intravenously infused L-asparaginase (Escherichia coli) on a protocol for 5 weekly doses. 13 patients received 100 U/kg, 1 patient 500 U/kg, and 8 patients 1,500 U/kg. Only 3 of the 9 patients receiving 500 U/kg or more were able to complete the 5-week protocol. 11 of the 13 patients receiving 100 U/kg were able to complete the 5-week protocol. Significant tumor responses were not seen. CNS toxicity and allergic reactions were observed at high- and low-dose levels. There was no difference as to the degree of protein changes, BUN elevation, or liver function abnormalities at the different dose levels.