APL
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | Acute promyelocytic leukemia |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
APL stands for Acute promyelocytic leukemia, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Subtype of acute myeloid leukemia caused by the t(15;17) translocation that creates the PML-RARA fusion gene. It often presents with life-threatening bleeding from disseminated intravascular coagulation and is a medical emergency.
Example: Pancytopenia, DIC and promyelocytes with Auer rods: suspected APL, ATRA started before genetic confirmation.
Usage notes
Once among the deadliest leukemias, APL is now among the most curable: all-trans retinoic acid combined with arsenic trioxide cures more than 90 percent of standard-risk patients without conventional chemotherapy, as shown in a 2013 Italian-German trial. Treatment starts on suspicion because early bleeding deaths are the main threat. Differentiation syndrome, with fever, fluid retention and breathing difficulty, is a recognized complication.
Related abbreviations
More hematology and oncology abbreviations
- AFP – Alpha-fetoprotein
- AIHA – Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- AJCC – American Joint Committee on Cancer
- ALK – Anaplastic lymphoma kinase
- ALL – Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- AML – Acute myeloid leukemia
- ASCO – American Society of Clinical Oncology
- ASCT – Autologous stem cell transplant
- ASH – American Society of Hematology
- BCR-ABL – Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson fusion gene
- BEP – Bleomycin, etoposide, Platinol (cisplatin)
- BMT – Bone marrow transplant
See all 144 hematology and oncology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.