Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a kind of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is a type of blood cancer. APL is a leukemia that can cause a life-threatening bleeding problem called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

APL is a problem with how blood cells grow at a certain point of development (the promyelocyte stage). They grow in odd shapes. And they cannot do what normal blood cells do.

Symptoms of APL include weakness and fatigue, fever, poor appetite, easy bruising or bleeding, and weight loss.

People with APL need a special mix of cancer treatments that fight the cancer cell growth and control the risk of life-threatening bleeding.

This type of acute leukemia tends to have a better outcome than other types of AML.

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.