Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia:
CRISPR-based test for rapid diagnosis of rare blood cancer Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)
- Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) is a rare but aggressive form of leukemia, a cancer affecting blood cells.
- APL is a subtype of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and contributes to approximately 10-15% of newly diagnosed AML cases.
- The condition arises due to a genetic mutation where two genes—PML and RARA—fuse together abnormally, disrupting normal blood cell formation.
- This fusion leads to a significant drop in white blood cells and platelets, impairing the body’s ability to fight infections and control bleeding.
- APL is particularly dangerous because it can cause sudden internal bleeding in vital organs like the lungs and brain, which can be fatal within days if left untreated.
- Early diagnosis and treatment, however, can cure most patients, making timely detection crucial.
