APL

The diagnosis of a blood cancer can be a devastating event for patients, families and friends. It is therefore vital for everyone to have access to reputable and understandable information to help cope with the illness. Whenever possible our booklets are written in line with national guidelines for the treatment of patients with a blood cancer. The information in our booklets is more detailed than in many others but is written in a clear style with all scientific terms explained for the general reader. We recognise that the amount and level of information needed is a personal decision and can change over time. Particularly at the time of diagnosis, patients may prefer less detailed information. A number of alternative sources of information are available which complement our publications. The booklets in this series are intended to provide general information about the topics they describe. In many cases the treatment of individual patients will differ from that described in the booklets. At all times patients should rely on the advice of their specialist who is the only person with full information about their diagnosis and medical history. For further advice contact the clinical information team on 020 7269 9060. Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, 43 Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JJ T: 020 7405 0101 • F: 020 7405 3139 E: info@llresearch.org.uk www.llresearch.org.uk
Series compiled by Ken Campbell MSc, revised 2010. The design of this booklet has been produced with kind assistance from Euro RSCG Life.

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What is acute promyelocytic leukaemia?
Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is a form of cancer that affects the stem cells which produce myeloid blood cells in the bone marrow. Myeloid cells are red blood cells, platelets and all white