The division of these blood cells is normally under tight control. Acute promyelocytic leukemia is a malignant disorder of the white blood cells that can affect patients of any age. The injections were administered in two phases. Researchers found that seventy percent of these patients achieved a complete remission. The patients achieved this remission, on average, within two months after the first treatment with Trisenox.
Researchers say they are impressed with the high rate of complete remission.
They call this treatment a significant advance for patients with this disease. However, many of the patients experienced some drug-related toxicity. While some of the side effects are manageable, there were some serious side effects reported. Researchers say none of the side effects were permanent. In September 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Trisenox to treat patient with APL whose disease has recurred or for those who have failed to respond to standard therapy.