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Elspar (Asparaginase) - Summary

 


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WARNINGS

It is recommended that asparaginase be administered to patients only in a hospital setting under the supervision of a physician who is qualified by training and experience to administer cancer chemotherapeutic agents, because of the possibility of severe reactions, including anaphylaxis and sudden death. The physician must be prepared to treat anaphylaxis at each administration of the drug. In the treatment of each patient the physician must weigh carefully the possibility of achieving therapeutic benefit versus the risk of toxicity.

Special handling procedures should be followed (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Special Handling).

 

ELSPAR SUMMARY

ELSPAR * (Asparaginase) contains the enzyme L-asparagine amidohydrolase, type EC-2, derived from Escherichia coli. It is a white crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water and practically insoluble in methanol, acetone and chloroform. Its activity is expressed in terms of International Units (I.U.) according to the recommendation of the International Union of Biochemistry. The specific activity of ELSPAR is at least 225 I.U. per milligram of protein and each vial contains 10,000 I.U. of asparaginase and 80 mg of mannitol, an inactive ingredient, as a sterile, white lyophilized plug or powder for intravenous or intramuscular injection after reconstitution.

ELSPAR is indicated in the therapy of patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia. This agent is useful primarily in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents in the induction of remissions of the disease in pediatric patients. ELSPAR should not be used as the sole induction agent unless combination therapy is deemed inappropriate. ELSPAR is not recommended for maintenance therapy.


See all Elspar indications & dosage >>

ELSPAR NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Media Articles Related to Elspar (Asparaginase)

High Dose Chemotherapy Significantly Prolongs Survival For Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Source: Lymphoma / Leukemia News From Medical News Today [2008.11.19]

Cold/Flu Breakthrough Remedy Undergoes NCI-Sponsored Trial In Leukemia Patients: Canada
Source: Flu / Cold / SARS News From Medical News Today [2008.11.18]

INNO-406 Demonstrates Positive Clinical Responses In Phase 1 Trial In Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Source: Blood / Hematology News From Medical News Today [2008.11.13]

CIGNA To Promote The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Co-Pay Assistance Program, USA
Source: Lymphoma / Leukemia News From Medical News Today [2008.11.07]

Blocking A Histone-Modifying Enzyme May Calm Down Gene Expression Driving Some Leukemias
Source: Lymphoma / Leukemia News From Medical News Today [2008.11.05]

more >>

Published Studies Related to Elspar (Asparaginase)

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy and safety of a new recombinant asparaginase preparation in children with previously untreated acute lymphoblastic leukemia- a randomized phase II clinical trial. [2008.09.19]

Changes in hypercoagulability by asparaginase: a randomized study between two asparaginases. [2006.03]

Long-term results of a randomized trial on extended use of high dose L-asparaginase for standard risk childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. [2005.10.01]

Pain intensity and bioavailability of intramuscular asparaginase and a local anesthetic: a double-blinded study. [2005.03]

Asparaginase antibody and asparaginase activity in children with higher-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Children's Cancer Group Study CCG-1961. [2004.04]

more >>

Clinical Trials Related to Elspar (Asparaginase)

Erwinia Asparaginase After Allergy to PEG-Asparaginase in Treating Young Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia [Suspended]

Erwinase Study in Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia [Recruiting]

Erwinase Master Treatment Protocol [Available]

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Two Asparaginase Preparations in Children With Previously Untreated Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia [Recruiting]

Association of L-Asparaginase-Methotrexate–Dexamethasone for Nasal and Nasal-Type Natural Killer (NK)-T-Cell Lymphoma [Recruiting]

more >>

Page last updated: 2008-11-19

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