Asparlas vs. Oncaspar for Leukemia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Asparlas

(calaspargase pegol)

Oncaspar

(pegaspargase)

Summary for Asparlas

Prescription only

Asparlas (calaspargase pegol) is a chemotherapy medication used to treat children and young adults aged 1 month to 21 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It’s typically given together with other chemotherapy medications. Compared to other asparaginase treatments, Asparlas (calaspargase pegol) stays in the body the longest. The medication is given as an injection into the vein (intravenous, IV), usually no more than every 3 weeks. Some side effects include pancreatitis, serious liver problems, and blood clots.

Indications for Asparlas

Treatment of children and young adults aged 1 month to 21 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) given together with other chemotherapy medications

Pros and Cons for Asparlas

Pros

Recommended as part of combination therapy for ALL in children and young adults
Works well for treating ALL, with 95% of people in studies achieving complete remission
Typically only given once every 3 weeks

Cons

Given as an intravenous injection, so it requires a needle
Not FDA approved for adults older than 21 years with ALL
Might cause serious side effects such as pancreas or liver problems

Common Side Effects for Asparlas

High liver enzymes (52%)
High bilirubin (20%)
Pancreatitis (18%)
Abnormal clotting labs (14%)
Diarrhea (9%)
Allergic reaction (8%)
Blood clot (8%)

Note: Side effects shown above are from a study where Asparlas (calaspargase pegol) was given with other medications, so these side effects might not be solely due to Asparlas (calaspargase pegol).

Warnings for Asparlas

Allergic reactions
Pancreatitis
Blood clots
Bleeding
Liver problems

Summary for Oncaspar

Prescription only

Oncaspar (pegaspargase) is a cancer medication used to treat children and adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It’s typically given together with other chemotherapy medications. Oncaspar (pegaspargase) stays in the body longer, so it can be given less often compared to L-asparaginase, a similar but older medication that’s no longer available. It’s given either as an injection into the vein (intravenous, IV) or into the muscle (intramuscular, IM), usually no more than every 2 weeks. Some side effects include high blood sugar, pancreatitis, and serious allergic reactions.

Indications for Oncaspar

Treatment of children and adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen
- As first-choice treatment
- In people who had an allergic reaction to a similar medication called L-asparaginase

Pros and Cons for Oncaspar

Pros

Recommended as part of a first-choice treatment regimen for ALL
Available as an intravenous infusion or a quick intramuscular injection
Can be given no more than every 2 weeks

Cons

Might cause serious side effects such as blood clots or pancreatitis
Requires several premedications to prevent allergic reactions
Not safe for people with severe liver problems

Common Side Effects for Oncaspar

High liver enzymes (66%)
Neutropenic fever (40%)
High triglycerides (30%)
Low albumin (28%)
High bilirubin (25%)
High blood sugar (24%)
Pancreatitis (24%)
Abnormal clotting labs (up to 21%)

Note: Only serious side effects are shown above from a study where Oncaspar (pegaspargase) was given with other medications, so these side effects might not be solely due to Oncaspar (pegaspargase).