Pegaspargase
Pegaspargase is a modified form of the enzyme L-asparaginase used in the treatment of certain cancers, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It works by depleting the amino acid asparagine from the blood, which leukemic cells require for growth and survival. This targeted approach selectively inhibits cancer cell proliferation while having less effect on normal cells.
Pegaspargase is an enzyme-based chemotherapy agent that starves cancer cells by depleting asparagine, primarily used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01XX24
- RxNorm
- 34132
- Generic
- Pegaspargase
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Oncaspar
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 2500 IU/m²
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 14 days
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2500 IU/m²
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 14 days
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2500 IU/m²
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 14 days
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse with caution
use only if clearly needed, discuss risks with patient
fetal monitoring and growth assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse with caution
use only if clearly needed, consider timing of delivery
fetal monitoring and non-stress tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
not applicabledo not breastfeed
breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment and for some time after last dose
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
infantsstandard pediatric dosing
approved for use in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
regular monitoring of blood counts and liver function
pediatric_age
childrenstandard pediatric dosing
approved for use in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
regular monitoring of blood counts, liver enzymes, and coagulation parameters
pediatric_age
adolescentsstandard pediatric dosing
approved for use in pediatric and adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
regular monitoring of blood counts, liver enzymes, and coagulation parameters
geriatric
elderlyuse with caution, no specific dose adjustment
limited data in elderly patients, use with caution due to potential increased sensitivity
close monitoring of liver function and coagulation parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno specific dose adjustment recommended
use with caution, not primarily renally cleared
monitor renal function during treatment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution, may require dose adjustment
use with caution due to hepatic metabolism, monitor liver function closely
frequent monitoring of liver function tests and coagulation parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval for Pegaspargase (Oncaspar)
Drug class
ATC classification as L-asparaginase enzyme inhibitor
Primary indication
Main therapeutic indication for Pegaspargase
Mechanism of action
Enzymatic hydrolysis of asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia
Primarily used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in both children and adults. May also be used for other lymphoproliferative disorders. Often incorporated into multi-agent chemotherapy protocols.
Pegaspargase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of L-asparagine (an amino acid) into aspartic acid and ammonia. By depleting asparagine levels in the blood, it selectively kills leukemic cells that depend on external asparagine for survival, while normal cells can synthesize their own asparagine.
Administration requires close medical supervision due to potential serious side effects including allergic reactions, pancreatitis, liver dysfunction, and blood clotting abnormalities. Regular monitoring of blood counts, liver function, and coagulation parameters is necessary during treatment. May interact with other chemotherapy agents and vaccines.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy