Acute promyelocytic leukemia in pregnancy: all-trans retinoic acid as a newer therapeutic option.

Abstract

If the fetus can be delivered safely, tretinoin as a single agent is an option for the initial treatment of maternal acute promyelocytic leukemia because it does not suppress the bone marrow and may ameliorate DIC. Because of the danger of hyperleukocytosis, chemotherapy should be added initially if the white blood cell count is greater than 5000/microL. If the fetus cannot be delivered at a viable stage, conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy is the alternative option.