PEG-asparaginase in BFM-90 regimen improves outcomes in adults with newly diagnosed lymphoblastic lymphoma

• Published in: 中国癌症研究：英文版 no. 1; pp. 66 - 74
• Main Author: Wen Zheng Hanyun Ren Xiaoyan Ke Mei Xue Yongqing Zhang Yan Xie Ningjing Lin Meifeng Tu Weiping Liu Lingyan Ping Zhitao Ying Chen Zhang Lijuan Deng Xiaopei Wang Yuqin Song Jun Zhu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• ISSN: 1000-9604; 1993-0631

Objective: Although L-asparaginase(L-ASP) is a standard treatment for lymphoblastic lymphoma(LBL),hypersensitivity reactions by some patients limit its application. Polyethylene glycol-conjugated asparaginase(PEGASP) has a lower immunogenicity and is a standard treatment in all pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL).In this study, we investigated the efficacy and toxicity of PEG-ASP instead of L-ASP as used in the BFM-90regimen(PEG-ASP-BFM-90) for adult LBL.Methods: Between June 2012 and July 2015, we treated 30 adult patients with newly diagnosed LBL, using PEGASP-BFM-90 in a prospective, multicenter and single-arm clinical study at 5 participating institutions in China.Results: All the 30 patients, including 19 males and 11 females with a median age of 30(range: 18–62) years,completed 128 times of the PEG-ASP, with the median of 4(range: 2–6) times. Patients did not receive radiotherapy at this time. The overall response rate was 86.7%(26/30), with 50.0%(15/30) complete response and36.7%(11/30) partial response. The 3-year overall survival was 46.0% [95% confidence interval(95% CI),28.2%–64.8%], and the 3-year progression-free survival was 43.0%(95% CI, 25.7%–62.0%). Major adverse events were myelosuppression, reduced fibrinogen, liver dysfunction and digestive tract toxicities. No allergic reaction and no treatment-related mortality or severe complications were recorded.Conclusions: Our clinical data and observed outcomes indicate that 1 dose of PEG-ASP can replace multiple doses of native L-ASP in BFM-90, with predominantly grade 3–4 neutropenia for adult LBL, and no therapyrelated deaths. The effect is similar to previous reports of PEG-ASP-containing regimens for adult ALL. Major advantages include less serious allergic reactions, 2–3 weeks of action duration, and convenience for patients and physicians.