Role of L-asparaginase in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: focus on adult patients

le of L-asparaginase in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: focus on adult patients Review (2885) Total Article Views Authors: Rytting ME Published Date June 2012 Volume 2012:2 Pages 117 - 124 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/BLCTT.S18699 Received: 07 December 2011 Accepted: 06 March 2012 Published: 29 June 2012 Michael E Rytting Department of Pediatrics and Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA Abstract: Asparaginase preparations deplete asparagine in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) blasts. Asparaginase in its various forms is an important component of treatment regimens for pediatric ALL. Recently, interest and use of asparaginase in adult patients with ALL has increased, particularly in young adults. There is much less information on asparaginase use and toxicity in adult compared with pediatric populations. This review surveys prior published studies of the three most commonly used asparagine preparations as used in adult patients, and discusses important toxicities encountered in adult patients who receive asparaginase preparations.