Description
Description
This page contains brief details about the drug pegaspargase, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.
Date of Approval
Pegaspargase is a chemotherapy drug containing the active constituent pegaspargase. It is used to treat a type of blood cancer called Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). This is a white blood cell cancer in which the immature white cells start growing out of control, thus preventing the production of functional blood cells. Combined with other chemotherapy drugs, this medication can help increase the chances of remission and long-term survival for people with ALL.
Pegaspargase received its initial FDA approval in 1994 for treating leukemia. Since then, it has also been approved for use in various other countries. This medication is a prescription medication and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. It is particularly effective in treating children with ALL, who have a higher rate of remission and overall survival when included in their treatment plan.
Mechanism of Action of Pegaspargase
Pegaspargase is an enzyme that breaks down the amino acid asparagine in the body. Cancer cells require asparagine to grow and divide and cannot produce their asparagine. By breaking down asparagine in the body, this medication can effectively “starve” cancer cells of this essential nutrient, slowing their growth and promoting cancer cell death. However, normal cells in the body can produce their asparagine and are not as affected by the enzyme as cancer cells. Therefore, this medicine selectively targets cancer cells while sparing healthy cells in the body to some extent.
Uses of Pegaspargase
Pegaspargase is an antineoplastic agent used to treat certain types of cancer, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and Non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Pegaspargase Dosage available
Pegaspargase is an enzyme that breaks down the amino acid asparagine in the body. Cancer cells require asparagine to grow and divide and cannot produce their asparagine. By breaking down asparagine in the body, this medication can effectively “starve” cancer cells of this essential nutrient, slowing their growth and promoting cancer cell death. However, normal cells in the body can produce their asparagine and are not as affected by the enzyme as cancer cells. Therefore, this medicine selectively targets cancer cells while sparing healthy cells in the body to some extent.
