[Use of long-acting L-asparaginase (PEG-asparaginase) in acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

Twenty-five patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia [15 adults and 10 children] received standard treatment in which regular L-asparaginase was replaced for L-asparaginase of prolonged action [PEG-asparaginase]. The drug was administered once in two weeks in a dose 2500 IU/m2 for remission induction and consolidation or as a component of maintenance therapy. It was found that the response to primary PEG-asparaginase treatment or its use in the disease relapses produced the same response as regular L-asparaginase, being superior in convenience and feasibility of outpatient use. Side effects in the form of hypoproteinemia, hepatic toxicity and toxic pancreatitis [in children, 9 and 1 adults, respectively] were moderate and disappeared after 10-20-day discontinuation of the drug.