Asparaginase: Difference between revisions
CSV import |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{ | {{Short description|Enzyme used in cancer treatment}} | ||
{{Drugbox | |||
| verifiedfields = changed | |||
| verifiedrevid = 477002295 | |||
| IUPAC_name = L-Asparagine amidohydrolase | |||
| image = 3eca.jpg | |||
| image_size = 250px | |||
| image_alt = Asparaginase | |||
| image_caption = Crystal structure of asparaginase | |||
}} | |||
'''Asparaginase''' is an enzyme used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, primarily [[acute lymphoblastic leukemia]] (ALL). It is an important component of chemotherapy regimens due to its ability to deplete the amino acid [[asparagine]], which is essential for the growth and survival of certain cancer cells. | |||
Asparaginase | |||
== | ==Mechanism of Action== | ||
Asparaginase | Asparaginase works by catalyzing the hydrolysis of [[asparagine]] into [[aspartic acid]] and [[ammonia]]. Many cancer cells, particularly those in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, are unable to synthesize asparagine due to a lack of the enzyme [[asparagine synthetase]]. These cells rely on circulating asparagine for protein synthesis and survival. By depleting asparagine, asparaginase effectively starves the cancer cells, leading to cell death. | ||
== | ==Clinical Use== | ||
Asparaginase is primarily used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but it may also be used in other hematological malignancies such as [[non-Hodgkin lymphoma]]. It is often included in combination chemotherapy protocols, such as the [[Hyper-CVAD]] regimen. | |||
== Administration == | ===Administration=== | ||
Asparaginase can be administered intravenously or intramuscularly. The dosing schedule and | Asparaginase can be administered intravenously or intramuscularly. The dosing schedule and route of administration depend on the specific treatment protocol and the formulation of asparaginase being used. | ||
== Related Pages == | ==Side Effects== | ||
The use of asparaginase can lead to several side effects, some of which can be severe. Common side effects include: | |||
* [[Hypersensitivity reactions]], which can range from mild allergic reactions to severe anaphylaxis. | |||
* [[Pancreatitis]], which can be life-threatening and may require discontinuation of the drug. | |||
* [[Coagulopathy]], due to effects on the liver and protein synthesis. | |||
* [[Hepatotoxicity]], leading to elevated liver enzymes and potential liver damage. | |||
==Formulations== | |||
There are several formulations of asparaginase available, each with different pharmacokinetic properties and potential for allergic reactions: | |||
* '''Native E. coli asparaginase''': Derived from ''Escherichia coli'', this formulation is associated with a higher incidence of hypersensitivity reactions. | |||
* '''Pegaspargase''': A pegylated form of E. coli asparaginase, which has a longer half-life and reduced immunogenicity. | |||
* '''Erwinia asparaginase''': Derived from ''Erwinia chrysanthemi'', used in patients who develop hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase. | |||
==Research and Development== | |||
Ongoing research is focused on improving the efficacy and safety of asparaginase. This includes the development of new formulations with reduced immunogenicity and enhanced pharmacokinetic profiles. Additionally, studies are exploring the use of asparaginase in other types of cancer and in combination with novel therapeutic agents. | |||
==Related Pages== | |||
* [[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia]] | * [[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia]] | ||
* [[Chemotherapy]] | * [[Chemotherapy]] | ||
| Line 20: | Line 43: | ||
* [[Cancer treatment]] | * [[Cancer treatment]] | ||
[[Category:Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents]] | |||
[[Category:Enzymes]] | [[Category:Enzymes]] | ||
[[Category:Leukemia treatments]] | [[Category:Leukemia treatments]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:30, 23 March 2025
Enzyme used in cancer treatment
| Asparaginase | |
|---|---|
| |
| INN | |
| Drug class | |
| Routes of administration | |
| Pregnancy category | |
| Bioavailability | |
| Metabolism | |
| Elimination half-life | |
| Excretion | |
| Legal status | |
| CAS Number | |
| PubChem | |
| DrugBank | |
| ChemSpider | |
| KEGG | |
Asparaginase is an enzyme used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, primarily acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is an important component of chemotherapy regimens due to its ability to deplete the amino acid asparagine, which is essential for the growth and survival of certain cancer cells.
Mechanism of Action[edit]
Asparaginase works by catalyzing the hydrolysis of asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia. Many cancer cells, particularly those in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, are unable to synthesize asparagine due to a lack of the enzyme asparagine synthetase. These cells rely on circulating asparagine for protein synthesis and survival. By depleting asparagine, asparaginase effectively starves the cancer cells, leading to cell death.
Clinical Use[edit]
Asparaginase is primarily used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but it may also be used in other hematological malignancies such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is often included in combination chemotherapy protocols, such as the Hyper-CVAD regimen.
Administration[edit]
Asparaginase can be administered intravenously or intramuscularly. The dosing schedule and route of administration depend on the specific treatment protocol and the formulation of asparaginase being used.
Side Effects[edit]
The use of asparaginase can lead to several side effects, some of which can be severe. Common side effects include:
- Hypersensitivity reactions, which can range from mild allergic reactions to severe anaphylaxis.
- Pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening and may require discontinuation of the drug.
- Coagulopathy, due to effects on the liver and protein synthesis.
- Hepatotoxicity, leading to elevated liver enzymes and potential liver damage.
Formulations[edit]
There are several formulations of asparaginase available, each with different pharmacokinetic properties and potential for allergic reactions:
- Native E. coli asparaginase: Derived from Escherichia coli, this formulation is associated with a higher incidence of hypersensitivity reactions.
- Pegaspargase: A pegylated form of E. coli asparaginase, which has a longer half-life and reduced immunogenicity.
- Erwinia asparaginase: Derived from Erwinia chrysanthemi, used in patients who develop hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase.
Research and Development[edit]
Ongoing research is focused on improving the efficacy and safety of asparaginase. This includes the development of new formulations with reduced immunogenicity and enhanced pharmacokinetic profiles. Additionally, studies are exploring the use of asparaginase in other types of cancer and in combination with novel therapeutic agents.
