Acute Promyelocytic

Leukemia
HematulogZzz

What is APL?
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL), a fast-growing subtype of Acute Myeloid
Leukemia (AML) that develops from abnormal promyelocytes, can cause serious bleeding
and infection due to its disruption of normal blood cell production. However, APL is one of
the most curable forms of leukemia with early diagnosis and proper treatment.

This can crowd out normal cells in the bone marrow and cause hypercellularity. This
will the lead to disruption of production of all types of blood cells. This type of leukemia
accounts to 5-15% of all adults a year and approximately 600-800 new cases anually.

Signs and Symptoms Causes and Treatment

Risk Factors
Bleeding Issues: All-trans retinoic acid
Specific genetic
 Easy bruising or unexplained (ATRA): The cornerstone of
abnormality
bleeding from gums, nose, or other APL treatment. It helps
involving the
sites. abnormal promyelocytes
translocation
 Heavy menstrual bleeding. mature and die off.
between
 Blood in stool or vomit (may appear Arsenic trioxide (ATO):
chromosomes 15
black or tarry). Often used in combination
and 17.
Bone Marrow Problems: with ATRA or for patients

 Fatigue and weakness from anemia who don't respond well to

Creates a fusion
 Increased susceptibility to infections ATRA alone.
protein that
due to low white blood cells. Chemotherapy
disrupts the
Other Potential Symptoms: Supportive care to manage
normal
 Shortness of breath due to low red side effects, prevent
development of
blood cells or bleeding in the lungs. infections, and support
promyelocytes
 Fever overall well-being.

 Headaches, confusion, or vision

problems (rare, but can occur due to Course：BSMT3
bleeding in the brain Date：04/26/2024
 Bone or joint pain