Traditional therapy in APL includes pharmacological concentration of retinoic acid (ATRA) and chemotherapy. What is the function of the chemotherapy component in this treatment protocol?

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Chemotherapy in APL therapy targets the leukemic stem cells, which are the cells responsible for initiating and maintaining the leukemia. It is used to eradicate these cells and prevent relapse. ATRA on its own induces differentiation and maturation of promyelocytes, while arsenic trioxide induces cytolysis of the malignant promyelocytes. The chemotherapy used in APL therapy is typically anthracycline-based and is used in combination with ATRA.

Traditional Therapy in APL Includes Pharmacological Concentration of Retinoic Acid