CompletedPhase 3

05-001: Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children

United States, Canada800 participantsStarted 2005-04

Plain-language summary

RATIONALE: L-asparaginase is an important component of treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but is also associated with notable side-effects, including hypersensitivity, pancreatitis, and thrombosis. We have previously reported that patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in whom asparaginase treatment was discontinued because of intolerable side-effects had survival outcomes that were inferior to those who received all or nearly all of their intended doses. Two bacterial sources of asparaginase exist: Escherichia coli (E coli) and Erwinia chrysanthemia (Erwinia). Generally, the E coli-derived enzyme has been used as front-line therapy and the Erwinia-derived preparation has been reserved for patients who develop hypersensitivity reactions. Pegylated E coli asparaginase (PEG-asparaginase) has a longer half-life and is potentially less immunogenic than native E coli L-asparaginase, and has been used as the initial asparaginase preparation in some pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment regimens. PURPOSE: Although the pharmacokinetics of each of these asparaginase preparations: intravenous PEG-asparaginase (IV-PEG) and intramuscular native E coli L-asparaginase (IM-EC) have been well characterized, their relative efficacy and toxicity have not been studied extensively.

Who can participate

Age range

1 Year – 18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) * No known mature B-cell ALL, defined by the presence of any of the following: * Surface immunoglobulin * L3 morphology * t(8;14)(q24;q32) * t(8;22) * t(2;8) * T-cell surface markers and t(8;14)(q24;q11) allowed * No secondary ALL PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * No known HIV positivity * Not pregnant or nursing * Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * No prior therapy except steroids of ≤ 1 week in duration and/or emergent radiation therapy to the mediastinum * Patients treated with steroids within the past 7 days will not receive steroid prophase during study treatment

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Asparaginase-Related Toxicity Rate

Timeframe: 30-week post-induction asparaginase treatment period

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00400946

SponsorDana-Farber Cancer Institute

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2014-08

Results submitted2017-01-17

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Drug/Agent Toxicity by Tissue/Organ trials