Acute Myeloid Leukemia Acquiring Promyelocytic Leukemia-Retinoic Acid Receptor Alpha at Relapse
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is identified as the M3 subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). APL is presently one of the most curable leukemias. We describe here a rare case of APL who presented as a relapsed disease after 1 year of chemotherapy for AML. The patient lacked t(15;17) at the initial presentation but was present later at the time of relapse. The patient attained a complete remission following treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide-based therapy. We discuss the possible mechanism behind secondary acquisition of promyelocytic leukemia/retinoic acid receptor alpha (PML-RARA) at relapse of AML. We also briefly discuss the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of APL.
World J Oncol. 2019;10(3):153-156
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/wjon1211
World J Oncol. 2019;10(3):153-156
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/wjon1211
Keywords
Acute myeloid leukemia; All-trans retinoic acid; Acute promyelocytic leukemia