Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)

Prelims – Current events of national and international importance| General Science.

Mains (GS III) – Science and Technology – Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Why in News?

The new test, RAPID-CRISPR developed using CRISPR technology can quickly and accurately diagnose acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

• It is a rare but serious blood cancer characterized by the abnormal accumulation of immature white blood cells called promyelocytes, often leading to severe bleeding and clotting problems.
• It is classified as a subtype of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a cancer of the blood-forming tissue (bone marrow).
• It accounts for about 10-15% of newly diagnosed AML cases.
• Common symptoms
  • Sudden bleeding from the gums and nose
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained fever
  • Bone pain
• While these symptoms may mimic those of other conditions, definitive diagnosis relies on histopathological assessments, including complete blood count (CBC) and cell morphology.
• APL results from a genetic mutation that causes an abnormal fusion of two genes, PML and RARA, which disrupts the normal production of blood cells.
• This genetic alteration leads to a significant decrease in white blood cells and platelets, hindering the body’s ability to combat infections and manage bleeding.
• Average Diagnosis age in India - 34 years.
• Affecting Ratio - Male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1.
• Severity - The condition poses a particular risk due to the potential for sudden internal bleeding in critical organs such as the lungs and brain, which can be life-threatening within days if not addressed promptly.
• Prognosis - With appropriate treatment, APL is considered one of the most curable subtypes of AML, with high remission and cure rates.
• Treatment - Often treated with a combination of chemotherapy and non-chemotherapy drugs like all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO).

Reference

The Hindu | Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)