Phase II Study of L-asparaginase in the Treatment of Pancreatic Carcinoma

L-Asparaginase was given to ten patients with advanced nonresectable pancreatic carcinoma because of the demonstration of in vitro sensitivity of the tumor to the drug. No therapeutic value was demonstrated for L-asparaginase. Toxicity was significant, mainly as evidenced by increasing mental confusion and early signs of a coagulopathy. On the basis of this limited study, L-asparaginase seems to have no value in advanced pancreatic carcinoma. The usefulness of L-asparaginase as primary therapy in patients with less advanced disease remains to be determined.