Introduction: Pegaspargase (PEG) is a key component of standard regimens for acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ALL) and extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL). Emerging evidence suggests an opportunity to decrease incidence of PEG-associated toxicities with dose capping, but evidence is limited. This study aims to evaluate whether a significant difference in PEG-associated toxicities related to dosing strategy exists and to identify patient-specific or regimen-specific factors for PEG-related toxicity.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of PEG-associated toxicities was completed in adult patients with ALL or NKTCL who received PEG within Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 10403 or modified dexamethasone, methotrexate, ifosfamide, L-asparaginase, etoposide (mSMILE) regimens at the UW Medical Center/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. PEG-associated toxicities that occurred through 8 weeks after PEG doses were noted.
Results: Twenty-eight patients received dose-capped PEG, and 29 received noncapped PEG. Fewer all-grade and grade 3/4 toxicities were observed in the dose-capped cohort. Grade 3/4 toxicities observed were hepatotoxicity, hyperglycemia, hypersensitivity, and hypertriglyceridemia. In addition, fewer grade 3/4 pancreatitis and thrombosis events occurred in the dose-capped cohort. Hypertriglyceridemia and hepatotoxicity were associated with the highest cumulative incidence proportions among all toxicities.
Conclusion: Dose capping of PEG was associated with a similar or later median onset for most toxicities, a less heterogeneic toxicity profile, and a lower recurrence of most toxicities upon PEG rechallenge compared to the non-dose-capped cohort. Standardizing PEG dose capping in the CALGB 10403 and mSMILE regimens may translate to improved tolerance compared to a historical standard of no dose capping PEG.
Keywords: CALGB 10403; Pegaspargase; acute lymphoid leukemia/lymphoma; dose cap; mSMILE; natural killer T-cell lymphoma.