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

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Chemotherapy in APL aims to eradicate the leukemic stem cells, which are responsible for the maintenance and progression of the disease. While ATRA induces maturation of promyelocytes, and binds with PML/RAR gene to repress transcription, chemotherapy targets the proliferating and self-renewing leukemic stem cells, thereby reducing the chances of relapse. Cytolysis of malignant promyelocytes is not a primary objective of chemotherapy in APL.

Traditional Therapy in APL Includes Pharmacological Concentration of RA (ATRA)