Acute promyelocytic leukemia: results of treatment by daunorubicin.

Daunorubicin induces complete remissions during the first 5 days (25#{176}/o) or due to in about 500/0 of patients with acute prosepsis during the second and third week myelocytic leukemia. The median duration (25#{176}/o). Long-term survivals are more freof these remission is 26 mo. Failures are quent than in the other acute granulocytic mainly due to hemorrhages as a result of leukemias. disseminated intravascular coagulation F OLLOWING THE FIRST REPORT of acute promyelocytic leukemia,’ we gave a complete description of this variety of acute leukemia in 20 patients.2 The distinct cellular morphology, severity of hemorrhages secondary to fibrinopenia, as well as its fulminant course, were characteristic and led to a separate classification of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Since 1967, we have used daunorubicin in the treatment of 44 patients with APL and in this report we compare the results of such treatment with the course of 36 patients treated up to 1967 before the drug was available. The striking sensitivity of APL to daunorubicin has completely changed its prognosis and will undoubtedly lead to renewed interest in this unique form of acute leukemia.