Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: A Summary

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.