Practice of L-Asparaginase Usage: A Survey among Healthcare Providers Treating Children with Cancer in India

Introduction L-asparaginase is an essential chemotherapeutic agent in the therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which has led to improvement survival. In low- and middle-income countries like India, outcomes ALL are inferior compared with published literature, one causes believed be due quality bioequivalent asparaginase. Objective The following survey attempts understand practice using this among oncologists treating children cancer our country. Methods researchers designed a structured online questionnaire comprising 25 aspects usage study. was directed healthcare providers involved India. Results Of total 80 responses recorded, 51 (64%) respondents had more than 5 years experience pediatric oncology were at least 10 newly diagnosed patients per month. Forty-one (51%) utilized native asparaginase, 21 (26.3%) used PEGylated-asparaginase exclusively. most common route administration intramuscular (66.3%). Seventy percent form dose 10,000 IU/m2 20% 6,000 IU/m2. amounts for PEGylated 1,000,IU/m2, 2,500,IU/m2, variable doses 48, 40, 10% responses, respectively. Though serum asparaginase assay (SAA) not measured routinely centers, 39 (48.8%) perceived performing SAA helps make clinical decision. Conclusion This shows wide variation caring As pivotal component therapy, uniformity its dosing possibility monitoring may critical steps toward improving