Neoplastic cells are unable to synthesize sufficient asparagine, an amino acid, to meet their metabolic needs. The supply of asparagine is further decreased by the enzyme asparaginase, which breaks down asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia. Asparaginase interferes with synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein and is cell-cycle specific for the G 1 phase of cell division.
Excretion is unknown.
More toxic in adults than in children. Not to be used for maintenance therapy. Acute myelocytic and myelomonocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, melanosarcoma. Anaphylactic reactions to asparaginase. Pancreatitis or a history of pancreatitis.