How it is administered

Calaspargase pegol is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. It is supplied as a clear, colorless solution that must be diluted before use. The recommended dose is 2,500 units per square meter of body surface area, administered no more frequently than every 21 days. The infusion is given over a period of 1 hour in a clinical setting, and patients are typically observed for at least one hour after administration to monitor for any reactions.

How it works

Calaspargase pegol is an enzyme that breaks down the amino acid L-asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia. Many leukemia cells, especially those in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), cannot make enough asparagine on their own and rely on asparagine from the bloodstream to survive. By depleting asparagine in the blood, calaspargase pegol starves these leukemia cells, leading to their death.

This medication is a modified form of L-asparaginase, which is attached to a molecule called polyethylene glycol (PEG) to help it stay in the body longer and reduce how often it needs to be given. The main effect is to keep asparagine levels very low in the blood and spinal fluid for several weeks after each dose, which is important for treating ALL.

Who Should take it

Calaspargase pegol is indicated for pediatric and young adult patients (ages 1 month to 21 years) as part of a multi-agent chemotherapy regimen for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to help eliminate leukemia cells from the body.

It is especially important for patients whose leukemia cells are sensitive to asparagine depletion. Your doctor will decide if this medication is right for you based on your age, diagnosis, and overall treatment plan.

Who should not take it

You should not take calaspargase pegol if you have had serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) to pegylated L-asparaginase products, or if you have had serious pancreatitis, blood clots (thrombosis), or severe bleeding (hemorrhage) during previous L-asparaginase therapy. It is also not recommended for patients with severe liver impairment.

If you have a history of these conditions, your doctor will discuss alternative treatment options with you. Always inform your healthcare team about your full medical history before starting this medication.

Commonly used with

Calaspargase pegol is always used as part of a multi-agent chemotherapy regimen for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It is commonly given alongside other chemotherapy drugs such as vincristine, corticosteroids (like prednisone or dexamethasone), anthracyclines (like doxorubicin), and other agents depending on the specific treatment protocol.

Your doctor will design a treatment plan that combines calaspargase pegol with other medications to maximize effectiveness against leukemia.

Commonly tested with

In clinical studies, calaspargase pegol has been tested in combination with standard multi-agent chemotherapy regimens used for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These regimens often include drugs such as vincristine, corticosteroids, anthracyclines, and sometimes methotrexate or cytarabine.

The effectiveness and safety of calaspargase pegol have been evaluated as part of these combination therapies in children and young adults with ALL.