Introduction: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in combination with arsenic trioxide (ATO) is standard therapy for low-to-intermediate risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Isotretinoin, an agent used for acne vulgaris, is similar in its chemical structure and effects to ATRA, and single-case studies report a probable effectiveness in APL. Case Presentation: In this case, a patient with newly diagnosed APL was treated with isotretinoin/ATO instead of ATRA/ATO for nearly 4 weeks due to a prescription error and anyway reached a stable complete remission as if treated with ATRA/ATO. Conclusion: Treatment of APL with isotretinoin instead of ATRA could possibly be effective.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Goldin et al. (2024) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: