Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) Support Group
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), also known as acute myeloid leukemia, is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells. Patients with AML usually present with symptoms such as fatigue, bleeding, infection, prompting medical attention. An abnormal blood test reading will then result in further testing in a hospital with a hematologist to determine AML.
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone here has been diagnosed with APL leukemia. I have a question on ATRA the medication used to treat this type of leukemia.
Thank you very much.
I was wondering if anyone here has been diagnosed with APL leukemia. I have a question on ATRA the medication used to treat this type of leukemia.
Thank you very much.
APL is the type of AML that we wish we all had. The ATRA (all-trans retinoic acid) is a congener of Vitamin A. Somehow, it causes the malignant promyelocytes to differentiate and then self destruct, putting you in remission. It is a very safe medication and no can bring about a cure in 90% of patients.
Cliff
Many of us have very bad side effects from ATRA. We get migraine headaches, vertigo, nausea, light sensitivity, eyesight changes and skin peeling ect. ATRA causes a rise in cranial pressure and some people have also gone blind because it attacks the optic nerves in your eyes. My first round of ATRA I had very few side effects, The last two rounds I had really awful side effects. I am entering the maintenance phase of my treatment plan and I have to take 15 consecutive days of ATRA every 3 months for a year. I really don't know how I am going to do this. Even the medications I was given to counteract the side effects are not effective. Sadly, it's the only pill that is effective to keep me in remission. I was wondering if anyone had luck with meds to counteract the side effects. Thank you for your help. :)