Asparaginase

Asparaginase is a medication used in cancer treatment, especially for leukemia. It works by breaking down an amino acid called asparagine, which some cancer cells rely on to grow. Normal cells can make their own asparagine, but cancer cells often cannot, making them vulnerable to deficiency. By reducing asparagine levels, asparaginase starves cancer cells, inhibiting their growth and helping to treat the disease. It is administered via injection and can have side effects, so it is used under careful medical supervision.