ATRA (ALLTransretinoic acid) drug in treatment of APL  (Acute promylocytic  leukemia)

H. Al-Ani, Mouroge

	ATRA (ALLTransretinoic acid) drug in treatment of APL (Acute promylocytic leukemia)
IRAQI JOURNALOF COMMUNITY MEDICINE
Article 1, Volume 22, Issue 2, 2009, Pages 120-125
Author
Mouroge H. Al-Ani
Abstract
Background: Acute propmylocytic leukemia APL is a subgroup of acute myeloid leukemia designed as M3 by French American British classification (FAB). The disease characterized by coagulopathy ,association of specific cytogenetic feature of (15-17)translocation .APL constitute less than 10% of all pediatric AML cases. ATRA with its differential action appears to be the inducer of complete remission in APL at diagnosis and relapse .This drug may be associated with side effects like ATRA syndrome . Objective: To compare the out come of therapy with ATRA vs. Chemotherapy in APL. Patients &methods: Twenty two 23.9% children with acute promylocytic leukemia were reported for the period 2001-2006 in the central teaching hospital Baghdad , the records were revised regarding using ATRA versus chemotherapy in the induction of APL. Results: M:F 5:6,The peak age was 10-11 year with mean of 7.5 y , 80.2% were anemic at presentation &thrombocytopenic & for the WBC was 6 x10/AML in our study form 23.9% of all AML. Regarding survival rate for children treated with ATRA & chemotherapy is 87.5%acheved remission. All children had achieved remission while early death occur in one child (12.5%)In comparison to chemotherapy alone 13 death (92.8%) For survival rate after complete remission treated with ATRA or chemotherapy are 37.5%&7.14% subsequently. Conclusion: Although ATRA provide an important benefit to patient with APL there are significant side effect that may be associated with its use, like ATRA syndrome in 25%. Key words, APL ,ATRA, children.
Keywords
APL; ATRA; Children

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