Arsenic trioxide for acute promyelocytic leukemia in a patient on chronic hemodialysis

Abstract

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a rare acute leukemia generally considered curable with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO). Some patients have co-morbidities that may limit the use of these agents and therefore impact curability. Adverse effects of ATO include life-threatening electrocardiographic abnormalities. ATO and its metabolites are partially excreted in the urine, and it is unclear to what extent ATO pharmacokinetics are impacted by hemodialysis. We present a patient on chronic hemodialysis successfully treated with ATO and ATRA for newly diagnosed APL. Complete molecular remission was achieved after induction and several drug-related toxicities were managed.

Keywords

• Acute promyelocytic leukemia
• Arsenic trioxide
• Hemodialysis