Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia
Also written as APL.
t(15;17) with hypergranular promyelocytes and DIC is diagnostic of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL); ATRA + ATO is the standard, highly effective targeted treatment, inducing differentiation of the malignant promyelocytes.
What our notes say
- t(15;17) with hypergranular promyelocytes and DIC is diagnostic of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL); ATRA + ATO is the standard, highly effective targeted treatment, inducing differentiation of the malignant promyelocytes. (Haematopathology MCQs: Blood Disorders & Anemia Explained)
- Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is marked by the accumulation of immature myeloid blasts in the bone marrow and often involves specific genetic mutations, with Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia being notably responsive to targeted differentiation therapy. (Hematologic Malignancies and Bleeding Disorders)
- Auer rods — distinctive red-staining rodlike structures — are specific for neoplastic myeloblasts and are a helpful diagnostic clue when present; particularly numerous in acute promyelocytic leukaemia. (Hematologic Malignancies and Bleeding Disorders)
- Must-know cytogenetics: t(15;17) — AML-M3 (acute promyelocytic leukaemia), strongly associated with DIC at presentation, treated with ATRA (all-trans retinoic acid). (Year 3: Haematology and Blood Transfusion Pathology)
- | M3 | Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) | t(15;17) — PML-RARA fusion; DIC risk; treated with ATRA (★) | (Acute Leukaemia (AML/ALL) & WBC Disorders: Hematology Guide)
- Classic cause in haematology: Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia (APL/M3) — release of procoagulant material from promyelocytic granules (Acute Leukaemia (AML/ALL) & WBC Disorders: Hematology Guide)
Study material on Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia
- EXAM: Spot/Practical Examination
- Hematologic Malignancies and Bleeding Disorders
- Haematology End of Year 2025 Past Paper — MKU MBML 3200 Questions & Answers
- Haematology Exam 2025: MCQs on Anaemia, Leukaemia & Clotting
- Acute Leukaemia (AML/ALL) & WBC Disorders: Hematology Guide
- HEMATOLOGY EOY 2025
- Haematology Exam 2025: MCQs on Anaemia, Leukaemia & Clotting
Practice questions on Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia
AML M3 (acute promyelocytic leukaemia) is associated with
- t(9;22)
- t(8;21)
- t(15;17) — PML-RARA
- inv(16)
Answer: C. t(15;17) creates PML-RARA fusion, blocking myeloid differentiation; ATRA (all-trans retinoic acid) induces differentiation and is curative. ---
In acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), which coagulation abnormality is most characteristic of disseminated intravascular coagulation?
- Elevated fibrinogen
- Decreased fibrinogen
- Shortened prothrombin time
- Thrombocytosis
Answer: B. APL blasts release procoagulant material that triggers consumptive coagulopathy, consuming fibrinogen and clotting factors while raising D-dimer.