Clinical observalion of the combination of all-trans relinoic acid and arsenic trioxide for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia

Objective To observe the eficacy and side efect of the all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)and arsenic trioxide(As2O3)combination in acute promyeloeytic leukemia (APL). Methods Thirty-eight APL pa tients were treated with the ATRA and As2O3 combination. ATRA was given 25 mg/m2 every day and As2O3 was given 0. 16 mg/(kg · d). Doses were adjusted according to adverse effects. Results Thirty-four patients a chieved complete remission(CR) ,the CR rate was 89.5％. The time to achieve CR was(24. 4 ± 5.2)d. Two patients died due to intracranial hemorrhage. Conclusion The ATRA and As2O3 in the treatment of APL can obtain a higher CR rate and a shorter duration for achieving CR. Key words: Retinoic acid;  Arsenic trioxide;  Leukemia;  Promyelocytic;  Acute