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What Are the Treatments for M3 Leukemia?

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, more than 13,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2008. There are several subtypes of the disease with M3 (or acute promyelocytic leukemia) considered to be the most curable type of the disease.

  1. Facts

    • AML begins with mutations in the cells of your bone marrow. Risk factors include tobacco smoke, benzene (a toxic chemical) exposure, radiation therapy (which may be used to treat other types of cancer) and chemotherapy.

    Treatment Statistics

    • According to the American Cancer Society, treatment cures approximately 70 to 90 percent of patients with M3 leukemia.

    Treatment

    • M3 leukemia treatment begins with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) which is derived from vitamin A. It is given concurrently with chemotherapy medications (like idarubicin or daunorubicin) and is effective in inducing remission.

    Additional Treatment Options

    • If your leukemia has come back or does not respond to ATRA and chemotherapy, you may receive arsenic trioxide (ATO) to treat your acute promyelocytic leukemia. This medication may cause abnormal heart rhythms.

    Treatment to Prevent Potential Complications

    • Patients with M3 leukemia may experience serious problems with bleeding or insufficient blood clotting. Doctors will often also administer blood-thinning drugs, platelet transfusions or other blood transfusion to treat and prevent bleeding complications.

    Follow-Up Treatment

    • Maintenance medications include ATRA and chemotherapy medications such as 6-MP (6 mercaptopurine) or methotrexate or at least one year.

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