Page 146 - Phytochemistry 2 (06-PG 605)
P. 146
Depletion of asparagine, starving cancer cells (leukemia,
metastatic breast cancer,…….) prevent further growth.
Asparaginase breaks down asparagine in the body into
aspartic acidand ammonia.
Since the cancer cells cannot make more asparagine, they die.
Also asparagine dietary restriction is effective in metastatic
cancer
Uses: It is effective chemotherapeutic agent against acute
lymphocytic
leukemia (ALL) and many other types of cancer.
Side effect : hyperammoniemic
Encephalopathy
immunogenicity
Adminstration : i.m., i.v. and under the skin injection.
PEG-asparaginase (peglycated asparaginase),
prolonged half life ofasparaginase and decrease
immunogenicity (allergenic properties
