How it is administered

Pegaspargase is given as an injection, either into a muscle (intramuscularly) or into a vein (intravenously). It is supplied as a clear, colorless solution in a vial. The dose and frequency depend on your age and body surface area, and it is usually given no more frequently than every 14 days. For intramuscular injections, the volume at a single site is limited to 2 mL; larger doses are split into multiple sites. For intravenous use, it is diluted and infused over 1 to 2 hours.

How it works

Pegaspargase is an enzyme that breaks down the amino acid L-asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia. Certain blood cancer cells, like those in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), cannot make enough asparagine on their own and rely on getting it from the bloodstream. By removing asparagine from the blood, pegaspargase starves these cancer cells, causing them to die.

Normal cells can usually make their own asparagine and are less affected. This targeted approach helps to kill leukemia cells while sparing most healthy cells. Pegaspargase is often used as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen to improve treatment effectiveness in blood cancers like ALL.

Who Should take it

Pegaspargase is used as part of a multi-drug chemotherapy regimen for both children and adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is indicated for first-line treatment of ALL and for patients who have developed hypersensitivity (allergic reactions) to other forms of asparaginase.

If you or your child has been diagnosed with ALL, your doctor may include pegaspargase in your treatment plan, especially if you cannot tolerate other asparaginase products due to allergic reactions. It is also used in some cases of lymphoblastic lymphoma, which is closely related to ALL.

Who should not take it

You should not take pegaspargase if you have had a serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis) to pegaspargase or any of its ingredients. It is also contraindicated if you have had serious blood clots, pancreatitis, or severe bleeding related to previous asparaginase treatment. Patients with severe liver impairment should not receive pegaspargase.

If you have a history of any of these conditions, let your healthcare provider know before starting treatment. Pegaspargase should be used with caution in people with liver problems, a history of pancreatitis, or blood clotting disorders.

Commonly used with

Pegaspargase is almost always used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs for blood cancers, especially ALL. These may include medications like vincristine, corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone or prednisone), anthracyclines (such as doxorubicin), and methotrexate. The exact combination depends on the specific treatment protocol your doctor recommends.

Commonly tested with

Pegaspargase has been tested with other standard chemotherapy agents used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, such as vincristine, corticosteroids, anthracyclines, and methotrexate. Clinical studies have evaluated its effectiveness and safety as part of multi-agent regimens, both in newly diagnosed and relapsed ALL patients.