Acute promyelocytic leukemia overview

Acute promyelocytic leukemia Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Acute promyelocytic leukemia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Other Imaging Studies
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Interventions
Surgery
Primary PreventionSurgery
Secondary PreventionSurgery
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Acute promyelocytic leukemia overview On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Acute promyelocytic leukemia overview All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Acute promyelocytic leukemia overview
CDC on Acute promyelocytic leukemia overview
Acute promyelocytic leukemia overview in the news
Blogs on Acute promyelocytic leukemia overview
Directions to Hospitals Treating Acute promyelocytic leukemia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Acute promyelocytic leukemia overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Acute promyelocytic leukemia is a subtype of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

In APL, there is an abnormal accumulation of immature granulocytes called promyelocytes. The disease is characterized by a chromosomal translocation involving the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα or RARA) gene and is unique from other forms of AML in its responsiveness to all trans retinoic acid (ATRA) therapy.