Control of hypoglycemia with L-asparaginase in a patient with islet cell cancer.

l-asparaginase, an anti-leukemic drug with diabetogenic properties, was administered to a patient with functioning islet cell carcinoma who had become less responsive to streptozotocin. Hypoglycemic symptoms were controlled and serum insulin levels decreased. Serial liver scans remained unchanged. Drug associated toxicity included slight azotemia, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, moderate intermittent vomiting, and episodic tearing and feelings of sadness. Toxicity was mostly reversible with lowering of dose to maintenance levels. l-asparaginase is a useful drug in the control of hypoglycemic symptoms in malignant hypoglycemic states.