In acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), abnormal promyelocytes rapidly proliferate in the bone marrow, a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The purpose of this blog post is to explain the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Several factors may increase the risk of developing acute promyelocytic leukemia, including:
An APL gene mutation is caused by an abnormal chromosome, such as the translocation between chromosomes 15 and 17 [t(15;17)], which causes the retinoic acid receptor alpha gene on chromosome 17 to fuse with the promyelocytic leukemia gene on chromosome 15.
Certain environmental toxins, such as benzene and ionizing radiation, may increase the risk of developing leukemia, including APL.
APL may also be associated with inherited genetic predispositions, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or Down syndrome.
Acute promyelocytic leukemia may cause the following symptoms:
It is characterized by persistent feelings of tiredness, weakness, or lethargy.
Bloody gums, frequent nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts or injuries are signs of easy bruising or bleeding.
Increasing susceptibility to infections, such as respiratory infections, fever, or flu-like symptoms.
Exertion-induced shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
Anemia causes pallor or paleness of the skin.
An enlarged liver or spleen causes abdominal discomfort, fullness, or enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly) or spleen (splenomegaly).
Pain in the bones, joints, or muscles.
Loss of appetite or weight loss that is unexplained.
Medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and bone marrow biopsy are used to diagnose acute promyelocytic leukemia.
This blood test measures the amount of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets, as well as determining whether any abnormal cells are present in the blood.
An assessment of chromosomal abnormalities and abnormal promyelocytes in bone marrow is performed by obtaining a sample of bone marrow for microscopic examination.
Molecular genetic testing, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR), may be performed to detect specific genetic mutations associated with APL.
Acute promyelocytic leukemia is typically treated with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care. Options include:
ATRA is a form of vitamin A that induces differentiation and maturation of abnormal promyelocytes into normal white blood cells.
In addition to ATRA, arsenic trioxide is another targeted therapy used to treat APL as it induces apoptosis (cell death) in leukemia cells.
ATRA and arsenic trioxide can be used in combination with conventional chemotherapy drugs such as anthracyclines or cytarabine to reduce the risk of relapse.
For complications such as infections, bleeding, and anemia, supportive measures may include blood transfusions, antibiotics, and growth factor support.
In addition to not being able to determine the exact cause of acute promyelocytic leukemia, there are no specific preventive measures. In order to reduce the risk of leukemia and other cancers, it is important to avoid exposure to known environmental toxins, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and seek medical attention when you experience unusual symptoms.
