About acute lymphoblastic leukemia: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is primarily a disease of childhood and is the most common childhood cancer. ALL can also be diagnosed in adults, although this is rare. In many cases, particularly among children, patients can be cured¹.

Treatment for ALL is complex. It consists primarily of chemotherapy usually with adjunctive therapy, such as asparaginases, anti-metabolites, cytotoxic antibiotics, alkaloids and corticosteroids³. A newly approved asparaginase product, Erwinaze, is intended for use with pediatric and adult patients who have experienced hypersensitivity reactions to E.coli-derived asparaginases.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hx of serious hypersensitivity to Erwinaze, including anaphylaxis; Hx of serious pancreatitis, thrombosis or hemorrhage with prior L-asparaginase therapy.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS: Discontinue if serious hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, OR severe or hemorrhagic pancreatitis occur. Monitor glucose (intolerance may not be reversible); With thrombosis and hemorrhage: discontinue until resolved. Use in pregnant women only if clearly needed. Do not use in lactating women.

COMMON (≥ 1%) ADVERSE REACTIONS: Serious hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, pancreatitis, abnormal transaminases, coagulation abnormalities, nausea, vomiting, and hyperglycemia.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

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