Alternative algorithm for L-asparaginase allergy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia


Soyer O., Aytac Ş. S., Tuncer A., Cetin M., Yetgin S., Sekerel B. E.

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, cilt.123, sa.4, ss.895-899, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

Özet

Background: L-asparaginase is a crucial chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The alternatives to L-asparaginase are not available in many parts of the world, including Turkey. Objective: We sought to evaluate the utility of premedication with or without a desensitization protocol in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and systemic hypersensitivity reactions to Escherichia coli-asparaginase. Methods: In this prospective study patients with systemic hypersensitivity reactions to E coli-asparaginase for whom we were unable to ascertain/provide other alternatives to asparaginase were either premedicated, desensitized, or both to receive their chemotherapy as E coli-asparaginase according to the severity of the hypersensitivity reaction. Results: Nineteen patients (13 male patients) with a mean age of 7.4 ± 4.7 years experienced a systemic hypersensitivity reaction to E coli-asparaginase during a 4-year period. Polyethylene glycol-asparaginase could be used for 3 patients. Eight of the remaining 16 children, who had experienced anaphylaxis, were premedicated and desensitized with E coli-asparaginase, and in 7 patients treatment was tolerated. The other 8 patients, with acute allergic reactions to E coli-asparaginase, were premedicated first, and 5 of them showed no reaction subsequently. Three of them demonstrated systemic hypersensitivity reactions again (anaphylaxis, n = 3), and premedication and desensitization with E coli-asparaginase resulted in anaphylaxis. Polyethylene glycol-asparaginase was administered uneventfully to the patients who could be provided it. Conclusion: E coli-asparaginase could be administered to more than half of the patients who had a hypersensitivity reaction, and all of these patients were able to receive their planned doses of asparaginase. In countries with shortages of alternative asparaginase preparations, our approach might be a suitable option. © 2009 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.