Optimizing Asparaginase Use in Adult ALL Therapy: Presentation and Discussion

When: Monday May 6^th  at 7:00 PM EST

Where: Zoom – link will be provided upon registration

Faculty :

Andre C Schuh, MD
Princess Margaret Cancer Center

Professor, University of Toronto

Objectives:

1. To understand the mechanism of action and importance of asparaginase in ALL treatment
2. To compare and contrast the various asparaginase formulations available in Canada
3. To clarify the role of therapeutic drug monitoring via serum asparaginase activity level (AAL) testing in optimizing asparaginase therapy
4. To discuss the prevention and management of asparaginase-related toxicities

Description:

Due to improved outcomes, pediatric-inspired chemotherapy protocols have become increasingly used in adult ALL therapy. One of the most significant features of such protocols is the inclusion of asparaginase. While associated with improved outcomes, asparaginase is also associated with unique (often serious) toxicities and management issues. This webinar will discuss the importance of asparaginase in ALL treatment, the various asparaginase formulations available or coming soon in Canada, the prevention and management of asparaginase-related toxicities, and the use of asparaginase activity monitoring to optimize management.

 Some of the questions we will discuss include,

• How to manage asparaginase-related thrombotic and hepatic toxicities
• How to manage asparaginase-related hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis
• How can serum AAL testing help define optimal drug dose, and help to clarify asparaginase-related infusion reactions
• What is ‘silent inactivation’, and how is serum AAL testing used to identify it?
• How does one switch from one asparaginase formulation to another?