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Review
. 2018 Mar;9(2):178-187.
Epub 2018 Mar 1.

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: A Summary

Meaghan M Ryan  1
Affiliations
Review

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: A Summary

Meaghan M Ryan. J Adv Pract Oncol. 2018 Mar.

Abstract

Acute promyelocytic leukemia is a distinct subtype of acute myeloid leukemia. The disease is characterized by a chromosomal abnormality involving translocation between chromosomes 15 and 17. Current therapy has advanced to include agents such as all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide, which have improved remission and survival rates. Induction, consolidation, and maintenance regimens have now been studied and are outlined. As patients affected can develop severe bleeding complications, rapid diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment are vital. During treatment, unique complications such as disseminated intravascular coagulation and differentiation syndrome can occur. Prompt recognition of complications is imperative.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A promyelocyte in a peripheral blood smear in a newly diagnosed APL patient. Image courtesy of Washington University School of Medicine.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Promyelocytes in a bone marrow aspirate in a newly diagnosed APL patient. Image courtesy of Washington University School of Medicine.
Table 1
Table 1
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Consolidative Regimen
Table 2
Table 2
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Induction Regimens
Table 3
Table 3
Complications of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Therapy
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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