Treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia
Promyelocytic leukemia is different from normal acute myelocytic leukemia in its cellular composition, and the genetic defect responsible for its formation. For that reason, this treatment has some differences than the standard therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. For instance, All-trans-retinoic acid is considered a cornerstone in its management with the chemotherapy regimens.
Also, since the risk of life-threatening hemorrhage is much higher in acute promyelocytic leukemia, patients should be monitored more closely and supportive therapy of transfusions should be meticulously given to those patients to avoid their mortality. Arsenic trioxide may also be given both for induction and consolidation therapy.