A Patient with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Treated with Isotretinoin: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in combination with arsenic trioxide (ATO) is standard therapy for low-to-intermediate risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Isotretinoin, an agent used for acne vulgaris, is similar in its chemical structure and effects to ATRA, and single-case studies report a probable effectiveness in APL. Case Presentation: In this case, a patient with newly diagnosed APL was treated with isotretinoin/ATO instead of ATRA/ATO for nearly 4 weeks due to a prescription error and anyway reached a stable complete remission as if treated with ATRA/ATO. Conclusion: Treatment of APL with isotretinoin instead of ATRA could possibly be effective.

Keywords

• acute promyelocytic leukemia
• all-trans retinoic acid
• arsenic trioxide
• case report
• isotretinoin