Acute promyelocytic leukaemia

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia is the M3 subtype of AML

Features include:

• translocation t(15;17) that produces the PML-RARα gene
• bundles of auer rods (=faggots) 

It predisposes to DIC, but as long as this is treated its prognosis is good with treatment with all trans retinoic acid or arsenic trioxide.

References

Sainty, D. et al. A new morphological classification for acute promyelocytic leukemia distinguishes cases with underlying PLZF/RARA gene rearrangements. Blood. 2000; 96(4): 1287-1296.

Sanz, M. Management of acute promyelocytic leukemia: recommendations from an expert panel on behalf of the European Leukemia Net. Blood. 2009; 113(9): 1875-1891.