Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)

09.04.2025

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)

Why in the news?                        

CRISPR-based test for rapid diagnosis of rare blood cancer Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)

What is Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)?

• Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) is a rare but aggressive form of leukemia, a cancer affecting blood cells.
• APL is a subtype of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and contributes to approximately 10-15% of newly diagnosed AML cases.
• The condition arises due to a genetic mutation where two genes—PML and RARA—fuse together abnormally, disrupting normal blood cell formation.
• This fusion leads to a significant drop in white blood cells and platelets, impairing the body’s ability to fight infections and control bleeding.
• APL is particularly dangerous because it can cause sudden internal bleeding in vital organs like the lungs and brain, which can be fatal within days if left untreated.
• Early diagnosis and treatment, however, can cure most patients, making timely detection crucial.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• The median age of diagnosis in India is 34 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1.

Common symptoms include:

• • Sudden bleeding from gums and nose
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained fever
  • Bone pain

• Although these symptoms may resemble other illnesses, histopathological parameters such as complete blood count (CBC) and cell morphology are essential for definitive diagnosis.

                            Source: The Hindu

Consider the following statements regarding Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL):

Statement-I:APL is a rare and aggressive form of leukemia that affects blood cells.

Statement-II: APL is a subtype of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Answer C