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Medical glossary

APL: acute promyelocytic leukaemia

APL is a special type of AML. Because of the risk of serious bleeding, treatment must start urgently, but it is one of the types that responds well to treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A cluster of large granular promyelocytes in acute promyelocytic leukaemia
Figure 1.APL: large granular promyelocytes

01Short answer

In APL, the t(15;17) translocation creates the PML::RARA fusion gene, which stops cells maturing. Treatment with ATRA (a vitamin A derivative) and arsenic trioxide forces the cells to mature; some patients also receive chemotherapy. Early on, clotting problems and differentiation syndrome are monitored. If APL is suspected, treatment may begin before genetic confirmation.

02Simple explanation

A type of AML.

PML::RARA.

Urgent start.

Treatment that makes cells mature.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: APL is a type of AML in which promyelocytes build up.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Why urgent

Bleeding and clotting problems.

Swapping places
Figure 2.Swapping places — APL: acute promyelocytic leukaemia

Differentiation syndrome

Breathlessness, fever, swelling: report at once.

Clotting
Figure 3.Clotting — APL: acute promyelocytic leukaemia

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Why urgentBleeding and clotting problems.
Differentiation syndromeBreathlessness, fever, swelling: report at once.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

ATRA
All-trans retinoic acid.
Promyelocyte
A maturing myeloid cell.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Can ATRA be taken like a vitamin?

No, it is a medicine prescribed only by a doctor.

What is the outlook?

Often good; your doctor will explain individually.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can ATRA be taken like a vitamin?

  2. What is the outlook?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: acute promyelocytic leukemia
  2. National Cancer Institute. Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  3. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  5. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: thrombocytopenia
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: leukopenia
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: anemia
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: red blood cell
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: hemoglobin
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: sepsis
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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