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14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
Asparaginase is a therapeutic enzyme used in medical treatment, particularly in the management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It functions by breaking down asparagine, an amino acid crucial for cell growth, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of malignant cells that rely heavily on asparagine.
A robust understanding of the human body’s chemistry and its interaction with different biochemical substances underscores effective disease control and treatment. Asparaginase, a naturally occurring enzyme, stands out among these substances for its clinical relevance, especially in oncology. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of Asparaginase, its role in the human body, medical use, and a brief overview of how it’s manufactured in labs.
Asparaginase is an enzyme produced primarily by E. Coli and other bacteria strains. The enzyme carries out a critical biochemical reaction that breaks down asparagine, an amino acid, into aspartic acid and ammonia. In essence, Asparaginase deprives certain cells of asparagine, a necessary nutrient for protein synthesis and survival.
The human body naturally produces Asparaginase to manage the concentration of asparagine and subsequently influence protein synthesis. However, its medical significance stretches beyond this metabolistic role.
Asparaginase represents a crucial weapon to combat cancer, particularly Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Cancer cells, particularly leukemia cells, are deficient in an enzyme that produces asparagine. Consequently, they depend solely on the asparagine present in the blood, which Asparaginase effectively breaks down, starving these cells of a vital survival protein, leading to their death.
Asparaginase treatment has revolutionized leukemia treatment leading to significant improvements in the survival rate. It has been effective in adult and pediatric patients and forms part of the first line of defense in the treatment of ALL.
Asparaginase is predominantly administered through injections either intramuscularly or intravenously in a medical setting by a healthcare professional. The dosage and treatment duration significantly depends on the patient’s condition.
While Asparaginase has proven to be effective, like other chemotherapeutic medications, it can come with some side effects. While some patients experience mild side effects like nausea, vomiting, or allergic reactions, others may record severe issues like pancreatic inflammation or blood clotting disorders. Therefore, healthcare providers monitor patients closely throughout the treatment.
In the lab, specialized E.coli bacteria strains are cultured and grown to produce asparaginase. The enzyme is then purified using centrifugation and filtration methods to isolate it from the bacterial cells.
Stringent quality control measures are in place to maintain the purity and activity of Asparaginase. These include rigorous testing of each production batch for bacterial contaminants, enzyme activity, and protein content. Standardized procedures are in place to ensure the product’s safety and efficacy.
Current research seeks to improve the effectiveness and safety of Asparaginase. This includes the development of new derivatives and formulations, reducing side effects, and investigating potential resistance mechanisms.
The field continually debates Asparaginase’s benefits and risks, addressing concerns regarding its side effects and effectiveness. How to optimally use Asparaginase and to tailor its dosage remains a critical discussion.
While there are ongoing investigations to enhance the usage and effectiveness of Asparaginase in cancer treatment, it’s undeniable that the enzyme plays a significant role in managing leukemia. Continued research, detailed understanding, and effective use of this enzyme can change the prognosis for many patients worldwide.
With the advancement in biotechnology and pharmaceutical science, Asparaginase’s future role in cancer therapy seems promising. Therefore, continued understanding and research into its application, production, and potential risks are imperative.
Asparaginase is a naturally occurring enzyme that breaks down asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia, thus regulating the concentration of asparagine in the body.
Asparaginase targets and breaks down asparagine in the bloodstream. Cancer cells, particularly in leukemia, rely on this external supply of asparagine for survival because they cannot synthesize it themselves. Asparaginase starvation effectively kills these cells, making it a powerful tool in leukemia treatment.
Yes, there can be side effects ranging from mild nausea and vomiting to severe effects such as inflammation of the pancreas and blood clotting disorders. Patients undergo close monitoring during treatment to manage these side effects.
Asparaginase is produced in labs using specialized bacterial strains, primarily E.coli. It is then purified and rigorously tested for bacterial contaminants, enzyme activity, and protein content under strict quality control measures to ensure safety and efficacy.
Current research is focused on improving safety and effectiveness, developing new asparaginase formulations, and understanding the mechanisms of potential resistance to Asparaginase treatment in cancer patients.
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