Asparaginase-associated pancreatitis in chemotherapy-treated pediatric patients: a five-year retrospective study

Asparaginase (Asp) represents a key agent in induction remission for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and certain subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). By catalyzing the hydrolysis of extracellular asparagine, thus depleting the level of plasma asparagine necessary for the growth of leukemic lymphoblasts, Asp can inhibit leukemic lymphoblast protein synthesis and lead to subsequent apoptosis with little myelosuppression.[1] This will achieve anti-leukemia efficacy, and promote the remission of leukemia.[2] A previous study showed that an Asp-containing regimen could significantly increase the event-free survival rate (71％ vs. 31％).[3] A previous study showed that those who completed the Asp regimen had a higher 5-year event-free survival rate (90％) than those who were unable to tolerate toxicity and quitted the treatment (73％).