You may also hear it referred to as M3 AML.
In the United States, APL accounts for about 10-15% of all AML cases.
What Are Promyelocytes?
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Promyelocytic leukemia cells can be compared to human teenagers.
Signs and Symptoms
People with APL have many of the same symptoms as other types of AML.
They will often have:
Girls and women with APL may notice unusually heavy menstrual periods.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
The symptoms of leukemia can be vague, and may also occur with other, non-cancerous conditions.
This phase of treatment is referred to as “induction.”
For many people, the combination of ATRA and ATO is curative.
For some people,chemotherapytreatment is used as well.
After initial treatment, ATRA is often continued for at least a year, sometimes combined with other medications.
This last phase of treatment is called “maintenance.”
Prognosis
Treatment of APL is successful in the vast majority of cases.
ensure you give yourself time to rest.
Consider reaching out to family and friendsand accept their help.
Take time to learn about survivorship andcoping.
When cancer treatment ends, instead of elation, many people feel depressed.
There are resources to help cancer survivors thrive.
Studies actually tell us that cancer changes people in good ways, not just bad.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
2011;25(6):1215viii.
doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2011.10.002
U.S. National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference.Acute promyelocytic leukemia.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia.
