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We're here for you if you want to talk

0808 2080 888

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Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL)

We're here for you if you want to talk

0808 2080 888

[email protected]

APL is a type of blood cancer that affects cells called promyelocytes, which are white blood cells at an early stage of development.

What is APL?

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) happens when the promyelocytes (a type of blood cell) don’t fully develop and become cancerous.
A man on the floor, leaning his elbows on the top of his bed, with one hand placed on the top of his head, looking despondent.

Symptoms of APL

People with APL may experience blood clots, extreme tiredness, weight loss, unexplained bruising and recurring infections.
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Tests to diagnose APL

If doctors think you might have APL, you'll have a series of tests. Doctors will look at your blood, bone marrow and genes.
A healthcare professional and patient looking at each other. The patient is sitting in a chair having treatment administered.

APL treatment and side effects

APL develops quickly, so fast diagnosis and treatment are really important.
Doctor with a stethoscope around their neck talks to patient about their blood cancer.

APL prognosis

Most people with APL respond well to treatment and have a good prognosis (outlook).
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Information for family and friends

If someone you love has been diagnosed with APL, you might find our information for family and friends helpful.

Thank you to Consultant Haematologists Dr Richard Dillon, Dr Steven Knapper and Professor David Grimwade, as well as Research Nurse Anita Immanuel for checking our information on APL.