Molecular remission without blood product support using all-trans retinoicacid (ATRA) induction and combined arsenic trioxide/ATRA consolidation in a Jehovah's Witness with de novo acute promyelocytic leukaemia

Arsenic trioxide has recently been used in the treatment of both relapsed a nd de novo acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APML). Molecular remissions have been attained using arsenic trioxide with minimal associated haematological toxicity, making protocols utilizing this drug an attractive option for Je hovah's Witnesses with APML. A 62-year-old female Jehovah's Witness with de novo APML was treated with all-trans retinoic acid induction followed by c ombined arsenic trioxide/ATRA consolidation, and achieved molecular remissi on with minimal haematological toxicity and no blood product support.