Extracorporeal perfusion treatment with immobilized L-asparaginase

2 female patients with malignant melanoma were treated with L-asparaginase immobilized in an extra-corporeal perfusion chamber constructed by Hydén et al. The patients were treated for 80 h during 26 d and for 99 h during 36 d, respectively. L-asparaginase was immobilized by covalent bonds on the surfaces of the chamber. Perfusion resulted in an effective decrease down to less than 7 mmol/1 serum of the asparagine content. The patients withstood the treatments well without any signs of allergic reactions. Antibodies against L-asparaginase were not found. Analyses were continuously performed during the treatment with respect to electrolytes, enzymes and immunoglobulins. No abnormal variations could be found.