Optimal approach for high-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia

Abstract

Purpose of review Clinical outcomes for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) have improved dramatically in the last 25 years, but a small proportion still die early during induction or relapse after achieving remission. This review examines features that define increased risk of treatment failure in APL, and summarizes strategies that are currently available to minimize that risk. Recent findings In the last few years, a targeted approach has progressively been adopted in the initial therapy of APL, with increasing reliance on the combination of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO). The goals of treatment are to minimize early and late disease-related and the..