This book provides a comprehensive overview on the clinical issues and biology of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and on the molecular mechanisms of targeted therapy with ATRA and ATO. The text covers major topics such as the pathophysiology of APL coagulopathy, biologic and clinical differences between children and adults with APL, and the role of minimal residual disease monitoring. Additionally, the book summarizes historical, current, and future treatment strategies in both adults and children, while highlighting the most recent therapeutic recommendations for relapsed disease and the evolving indications for autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplant. This volume also features chapters focusing on secondary APL and therapy, late effects, rare presentations such as APL in the elderly and during pregnancy, and rare APL variants that may represent therapeutic challenges.

Oussama Abla, MD

The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto

Division of Hematology/Oncology

Toronto, ON

Canada

Francesco Lo-Coco, MD

Professor of Hematology

Rome

Miguel A. Sanz, MD

Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Cancer

Madrid

Spain

History of APL.- Molecular Targets of Treatment in APL.- The Leukemic Stem Cell.- The Molecular Genetics of APL.- APL Coagulopathy.- Early Death in APL.- Prognostic Factors in APL.- First-line therapy for APL: Chemotherapy-based approach.- First-line Therapy: ATRA-ATO/Reduced Chemotherapy Approach.- Cure of APL without Chemotherapy.- Minimal Residual Disease in APL.- Treatment of refractory and relapsed APL.- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in APL.- APL in Children.- Management of APL in the Elderly.- Special Situations in APL.- APL in Developing Countries: A Chemotherapy-Based Approach.- APL in Developing Countries: ATO based Approach.- Therapy-Related APL.- Rare Acute Leukemia Variants involving Retinoic Acid Receptor Genes.- Management of Treatment-Related Complications in APL.