Asparaginase

Question 1

drug classification

Answer 1

amino acid
normally obtained from diet or aspartate in asparaginase synthesise
lymphoblastic leukaemic cells lack asparagine synthesise enzyme and can’t produce asparagine

Question 2

3 types of asparaginase

Answer 2

made from E.coli
made from erwinase
is a pegylated form, longer acting

Question 3

used to treat

Answer 3

in normal cells involved in the metabolic control of cell functions in nerve and brain tissue

Question 4

methods of administration

Answer 4

IV
IM

Question 5

mechanism of action

Answer 5

depletes asparagine into ammonia
ammonia attached to aspartic acid in an amidation reaciton
impacting protein synthesis leads to cell death and apoptosis

Question 6

side effects

Answer 6

skin reactions
hypersensitivity
blood clotting disorders
raised LFT’s
pancreatitis