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 monitored for at least one hour after administration.

How it works

Calaspargase pegol is an enzyme that targets the amino acid L-asparagine. Many leukemia cells, especially those in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), cannot make enough L-asparagine on their own and rely on it from the bloodstream. Calaspargase pegol breaks down L-asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia, depleting its levels in the blood. This deprives leukemia cells of a critical nutrient, leading to their death while sparing most normal cells that can produce their own L-asparagine.

This medication is a pegylated form of L-asparaginase, meaning it is attached to a molecule called polyethylene glycol (PEG) to help it stay in the body longer and reduce the frequency of dosing. By maintaining low levels of asparagine in the blood for extended periods, calaspargase pegol helps maximize its anti-leukemic effect.

Who Should take it

Calaspargase pegol is indicated as part of a multi-agent chemotherapy regimen for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in pediatric and young adult patients aged 1 month to 21 years. It is used during various phases of ALL treatment to help kill leukemia cells and improve the chances of remission.

It is not used as a stand-alone treatment but is combined with other chemotherapy agents as part of a carefully planned protocol. Your healthcare team will determine if this medication is right for you or your child based on age, diagnosis, and overall health.

Who should not take it

You should not take calaspargase pegol if you have had serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) to pegylated L-asparaginase or similar medications in the past. It is also contraindicated if you have had serious pancreatitis, thrombosis (blood clots), or severe bleeding events during previous L-asparaginase therapy.

Patients with severe liver impairment should not receive calaspargase pegol. If you have a history of these conditions, your doctor will discuss alternative treatment options with you.

Commonly used with

Calaspargase pegol is always used as part of a multi-agent chemotherapy regimen for ALL. It is commonly combined with drugs such as vincristine, corticosteroids (like prednisone or dexamethasone), anthracyclines (like doxorubicin or daunorubicin), methotrexate, and cytarabine. The combination is tailored to maximize effectiveness against leukemia while managing side effects.

Commonly tested with

In clinical studies, calaspargase pegol has been tested alongside standard multi-agent chemotherapy regimens for ALL, including agents such as pegaspargase, vincristine, corticosteroids, anthracyclines, methotrexate, and cytarabine. These studies compare its safety and effectiveness as part of established treatment protocols for pediatric and young adult patients with ALL.