Asparaginase‐associated pancreatitis in children

RA Raja, K Schmiegelow… - British journal of …, 2012 - Wiley Online Library
RA Raja, K Schmiegelow, TL Frandsen
British journal of haematology, 2012Wiley Online Library
Summary l‐asparaginase has been an element in the treatment for acute lymphoblastic
leukaemia (ALL) and non‐H odgkin lymphoma since the late 1960s and remains an
essential component of their combination chemotherapy. Among the major toxicities
associated with l‐asparaginase therapy are pancreatitis, allergic reactions, thrombotic
events, hepatotoxicity and hyperlipidaemia. Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common
reasons for stopping treatment with l‐asparaginase. Short‐term complications of …
Summary
l‐asparaginase has been an element in the treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma since the late 1960s and remains an essential component of their combination chemotherapy. Among the major toxicities associated with l‐asparaginase therapy are pancreatitis, allergic reactions, thrombotic events, hepatotoxicity and hyperlipidaemia. Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common reasons for stopping treatment with l‐asparaginase. Short‐term complications of asparaginase‐associated pancreatitis include development of pseudocysts and pancreatic necrosis. Long‐term complications include chronic pancreatitis and diabetes. The pathophysiology of asparaginase‐associated pancreatitis remains to be uncovered. Individual clinical and genetic risk factors have been identified, but they are only weak predictors of pancreatitis. This review explores the definition, possible risk factors, treatment and complications of asparaginase‐associated pancreatitis.
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