Background Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a common type of leukemia in children. The innovator pegylated L-asparaginase has several advantages over native L-asparaginase; however, its use in India is limited due to availability and cost. Therefore, a generic pegylated L-asparaginase can be considered as an alternative to the innovator molecule. Methods A retrospective study was conducted to assess the outcome (minimal residual disease [MRD]) and toxicity of a generic pegylated L-asparaginase (Hamsyl) at the end of induction therapy. Results Eighty-eight (80.7%) and 21 (19.3%) patients had received generic pegylated L-asparaginase and conventional asparaginase, respectively, as a part of their treatment protocol. Nearly 82% of patients had B-type ALL. Eight-one percent of children had a white blood cell count of fewer than 50,000/mm3. At the end of induction, 80.7% (88) of children were minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative, and at the end of augmented consolidation therapy, 20.2% were MRD-negative. Ten percent of patients exhibited allergic reactions. Two children had pancreatitis, and one child had central venous thrombosis. Conclusion The generic pegylated L-asparaginase (Hamsyl) was effective and safe for use in pediatric ALL.

Eribulin is a unique microtubule inhibitor with mitotic and nonmitotic mechanisms of action. Eribulin has substantial activity in patients with pretreated (anthracycline and a taxane) advanced or metastatic breast cancer was confirmed by large-scale phase III clinical trials. We review recent pharmacological and clinical findings of eribulin use in metastatic breast cancer, particularly highlighting eribulin in difficult-to-treat and aggressive disease and safety data in specific patient populations. Furthermore, recent advancements and potential future directions for its clinical usage in our understanding are discussed. Ongoing studies of eribulin in combination with immunotherapies and established cytotoxic agents may facilitate to shape the future landscape in the treatment of breast cancer.