The Coagulopathy of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: An Updated Review of Pathophysiology, Risk Stratification, and Clinical Management

Abstract

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has a well-established mechanism and a long-term prognosis that exceeds that of any other acute leukemia. These improving outcomes are due, in part, to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO), two targeted and highly active agents in this disease. However, there remains a considerable morbidity and mortality risk in APL secondary to clinically significant hemorrhagic and/or thrombotic events. Prevention and treatment of these coagulopathic complications remain significant impediments to further progress in optimizing outcomes for patients with APL. Moreover, the relative rarity of APL hinders adequately powered randomized controlled trials for evaluating APL coagulopathy management strategies. This review draws from peer-reviewed works falling between initial descriptions of APL in 1957 and work published prior to January 2023 and provides an updated overview of the pathophysiology of hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications in APL, outlines risk stratification parameters, and compiles current clinical best practices. An improved understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms driving hemorrhage and thrombosis along with the completion of well-designed trials of management strategies will assist clinicians in developing interventions that mitigate these devastating complications in an otherwise largely curable disease.