Drug updated on 3/28/2024
| Dosage Form | Injection (intravenous; 3,750 units/5 mL) |
| Drug Class | Asparagine specific enzymes |
| Ongoing and Completed Studies | ClinicalTrials.gov |
Indication
- Indicated as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in pediatric and young adult patients aged 1 month to 21 years.
Summary
- Calaspargase pegol-mknl (Asparlas) is used as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in pediatric and young adult patients aged 1 month to 21 years.
- The systematic review indicates that Asparlas, an enzyme not found in humans, depletes serum levels of L-asparagine leading to cell death since leukemic cells are unable to synthesize this amino acid.
- According to the document reviewed, Asparlas has been successful in treating pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), which comprises nearly 30% of pediatric malignancies and also constitutes about 1% of adult cancer diagnoses.
- This drug's effectiveness varies with age; it offers five-year overall survival rates greater than 90% among children but less than 20% among older adults suffering from ALL according to the single systematic review/meta-analysis examined.
- Newer formulations like calaspargase pegol-mknl have been developed due its predecessor's short half-life, high immunogenic potential and manufacturing difficulties as indicated by the document reviewed.
- Unfamiliarity with Asparlas use and management may result in treatment decisions negatively impacting outcomes; hence health professionals need proper understanding on recognition and management of toxicities associated with this drug based on information provided by one Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses type document studied.
Product Monograph / Prescribing Information
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Asparlas (calaspargase pegol-mknl) Prescribing Information. | 2022 | Servier Pharmaceuticals LLC., Boston, MA |
Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Asparaginase in the Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Adults: Current Evidence and Place in Therapy. | 2022 | Blood and Lymphatic Cancer: Targets and Therapy |
Clinical Practice Guidelines
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pegaspargase in Practice: Minimizing Toxicity, Maximizing Benefit. | 2021 | Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports |
| Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, version 2.2020. | 2020 | NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology |