Erwinia asparaginase after allergy to E. coli asparaginase in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli asparaginase is an important component of treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); however, hypersensitivity develops in up to 30% of patients. We assessed the nadir enzyme activity and tolerability of Erwinia asparaginase, an alternative preparation, in E. coli asparaginase-allergic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2000 and 2002, 215 children with newly diagnosed ALL were enrolled on …