All-trans retinoic acid is a type of retinoid that works by promoting the maturation (differentiation) and reducing the growth (proliferation) of certain abnormal blood cells, specifically those involved in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). In patients with APL, this medication helps immature leukemia cells develop into normal, functioning blood cells. This process replaces the abnormal cells in the bone marrow and blood with healthy, polyclonal hematopoietic cells.

The exact mechanism by which all-trans retinoic acid works in APL is not fully understood, but it is known to target the genetic abnormality (t(15;17) translocation or PML/RARα gene expression) present in these leukemia cells. By inducing differentiation, it helps restore normal blood cell production, leading to remission in many patients.

all-trans retinoic acid

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Approved use in