Asparaginase

Asparaginase, also known as crisantaspase, is an enzyme that is used as a medication and in food manufacturing.

Asparaginase

• Absorption: Intramuscular
• Distribution: Plasma volume of distribution 70-80%
• Excretion: Urine

Asparaginase converts asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia. It promotes the production of oxaloacetate which is needed for general cellular metabolism. Some malignant cells lose the ability to produce asparagine and so the loss of exogenous sources of asparagine leads to cell death.

1000 units/kg/day via IV inj for 10 days after treatment with vincristine and prednisone or prednisolone. 

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Chills, pyrexia, decrease of fibrinogen and clotting factors, liver disorders. Hyperammonaemia, uraemia, alteration in blood lipids and cholesterol, vomiting, pancreatitis, hypoalbuminaemia, renal failure (occasional). Acute anaphylaxis, Hyperglycaemia. Nausea, fatal hyperthermia, anorexia, weight loss. CNS disturbances including depression, coma, hallucinations, ketoacidosis. Parkinson-like syndrome. Marked leucopenia, transient bone-marrow depression.

• IV admin of asparaginase may increase vincristine neurotoxicity.
• Activity of methotrexate may be reduced if L-asparaginase is given beforehand.

Pancreatitis, Pregnancy and hypersensitivity. 

Refrigerate at 2-8°C

Molecular weight

31731.9 Da

Molecular formula

C1377H2208N382O442S17

CAS number

Precautions

• Be prepared to treat anaphylaxis at each administration.
• Anaphylaxis 
• Intradermal skin test should be performed prior to initial administration of this drug and repeated when at least 1 wk separates doses.
• Monitor leukocyte counts and serum uric acid. 
• Monitor peripheral blood count and bone marrow frequently.