Abstract The chemotherapy agent L-asparaginase (L-asp) has been an important part of acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy for over 30 years. It is evident that L-asp has a long-term curative effect. However, L-asp is associated with high incidence of adverse reactions. This has prompted the development of pegylated asparaginase (PEG-asp), which has undergone extensive testing. Apparently, PEG-asp has a prolonged half-life with a better tolerance profile while retaining the antileukemic effect. In this review, we attempt to outline the history of clinical application of L-asp, the pharmacological and clinical potential of various preparations of L-asp, the development of PEG-asp, and the clinical application and adverse events of PEG-asp. The literatures reviewed in this article is collected through online search of the major databases both in English and Chinese.
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