Evaluation of dose and schedule of L-asparaginase in multidrug therapy of childhood leukemia

Med Pediatr Oncol. 1976;2(4):387-95. doi: 10.1002/mpo.2950020405.

Abstract

Six regimens utilizing L-asparaginase in doses of 6,000 IU/M2, 2,000 IU/M2, and 500 IU/M2 in two separate schedules (consecutive and intermittent) along with vincristine and prednisone yielded remarkably similar response rates, approximating 70%, in 306 previously treated children with acute leukemia in relapse. The addition of daunorubicin to one regimen did not alter the response rate. Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 5% and hyperglycemia in 7%. Lower doses of L-asparaginase significantly reduced the hypersensitivity rate but no such pattern was noted for hyperglycemia. A history of prior resistance to prednisone and vincristine significantly reduced the response rate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Asparaginase / administration & dosage*
  • Asparaginase / adverse effects
  • Asparaginase / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Daunorubicin / therapeutic use
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / chemically induced
  • Infant
  • Leukemia / drug therapy*
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Vincristine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vincristine
  • Asparaginase
  • Prednisone
  • Daunorubicin