APL, Information and SupportInspired by Anita’s Journey through Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

This article summarized the findings of the European Hematology Association (EHA) in Vienna from 7 through 10 June.    The article summarizes the major research efforts from the European perspective.  Most of the research initiatives that are described revolve around different types of gene therapy.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=74127

APL MicroRNA research is mentioned in the above link.    MicroRNA’s sound like they hold alot of promise for the future – time will tell.   One problem with any new treatment is that the existing treatments are pretty good – so “doing better” than the well established Retinoic Acid / Arsenic protocols is not easy.

I appreciate the “higher altitude” view that summary articles like this provide.

I think Arsenic will soon move into a frontline treatment, maybe as a consolidation therapy after Retinoic Acid / Chemo for new APL cases.I run a google-alert on the term ““apl leukemia” and most all the (frequent) press over the last month has been regarding newer study results for Arsenic and how effective it is proving to be.

Keep in mind that there were widely circulated reports of sudden-death and other serious complications when arsenic treatment was brand new. I was terrified by these reports when I read them before Anita’s treatment. Reading further though, it became apparent that the early troubles likely related to failure to closely monitor electrolyte levels (such as Potassium) especially during the first month of treatment.

In Anita’s case, she received her first 30 days of arsenic treatment in the hospital, then her second course as an outpatient. She didn’t have any of the usual side effects from chemo — no mouth sores, hair loss — no neutropenia etc. She actually drove herself to the hospital each day for most of her outpatient arsenic infusions!

Still — arsenic is a serious deal and there are still plenty of unknowns in terms of long term affects. Will it lead to an increased chance of secondary cancers later in life? Anyhow, don’t be so sure we are really “behind the times” here in the USA in terms of jumping into new drugs like Arsenic.

Arsenic is simply amazing for APL and it is pretty much unheard of for a medicine for a relapsed leukemia to be so well tolerated and effective. APL patients are extremely fortunate to have access to this therapy.

Here is one interesting item about Anita’s treatment…

Her Dr’s ran a PCR test about 10 days after Anita’s last dose of arsenic and it came back positive. This was a most unwelcome result. I was remember thinking “Crap – 60 days of arsenic and the leukemia is still present!” Basically we were shooting for a negative PCR test post arsenic therapy as that would allow Anita to get an AUTO transplant, rather than the more difficult ALLO type.

Anyhow, the next step with all of this is often a surprise and her Dr’s simply said – “L