Arsenic trioxide(As_2O_3) combined with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) therapy for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL):a report of 16 cases

Objective:To observe the efficacy and side effects of arsenic trioxide combined with all-trans retinoic acid for the treatment of newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL).Methods:Sixteen newly diagnosed APL patients of whom 7 were males,9 females and median age 33 years entered into the study.They were treated with 0.1% As2O3 10ml (10mg)/d combined with ATRA 20-30mg bid,until complete remission(CR).The doses were adjusted according to white blood cell counts,occurrence of RA syndrome and the status of liver function.CR rate,time of reaching clinical remission and side effects were observed.Results:15(93.8%) patients achieved CR,one patient died 3 days after the treatment due to encranial hemorrhage.The average time for achieving CR was (27.3±3.6)d,no significant side effect was found.Conclusion:The efficacy in the patients with de novo APL who are treated with As2O3 and all-trans retinoic acid is high,and the therapy can lessen the time of reaching CR.Long term effect needs further observation.