Oncaspar (Pegaspargase) for Leukemia

Overview
Oncaspar is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Oncaspar is often used as a part of a chemotherapy regimen. Oncaspar may also be referred to by its drug name, pegaspargase.

Oncaspar is the modified form of an enzyme called asparaginase. An enzyme is a molecule that accelerates a chemical reaction. Leukemia cells require an amino acid called asparagine to stay alive and replicate. Oncaspar breaks down asparagine into two other substances. Oncaspar is believed to work by reducing the amount of asparagine available to leukemia cells, leading to their death.

How do I take it?
Oncaspar is administered by intravenous or intramuscular injection.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Oncaspar lists common side effects including hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) and pancreatitis.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Oncaspar include anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction), blood clots in the central nervous system, and liver damage.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

ALL: Chemotherapy — Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
https://www.lls.org/leukemia/acute-lymphoblasti...