Haematology Department at American Oncology Institute (AOI) Nagpur Successfully Treated a Complicated Case of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)

- Saved a 67-year-old female with severe complications to lead a Cancer-Free life -

Nagpur, 15th June 2022: A 67-year-old female who was also diabetic and hypertensive got a new lease of life after she was timely treated and successfully cured for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL), the most malignant form of acute blood cancer. The Amravati-based patient was referred to American Oncology Institute (AOI) at Nangia Specialty Hospital, Nagpur, for treatment by leading Hemato-oncologist and BMT Specialist Dr. Shailesh Bamborde.      The patient Aparna Kadam (name changed), presented with persistent fever and red spots on her limbs. After evaluation and investigation, she was diagnosed with APL along with Bilateral Fungal Pneumonia. Considering her critical condition and in consultation with her family, she was promptly treated with non-chemo drugs. Yet, she developed Acute Coronary Syndrome, a serious complication of APL for which she was given conservative treatment. 

Dr. Amit Dhawan, Regional COO, American Oncology Institute, Nagpur said, “Treatment of APL requires experience, expertise, and teamwork between multiple specialties. American Oncology Institute (AOI) has always been at the forefront of providing quality healthcare that is at par with state-of-the-art infrastructure and international standards. We are committed to offering best-in-class clinical expertise, technological superiority, and service excellence for our patients. With best-in-class diagnostic modalities and treatment processes, protocols, and standards, AOI is providing the best quality outcomes.”

Explaining the serious condition of the patient, Dr. Shailesh Bombarde, BMT Specialist at AOI Nagpur said, “The patient was brought to us in a very critical state. However, we managed the risks and complications associated with the severe cancer type. Over the next few days, the patient gradually started responding to the treatment but then developed another complication -- Moderate Differentiation Syndrome with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, a rare and serious blood clotting disorder that can turn into uncontrollable bleeding treated with platelet and plasma transfusion, as and when required and supportive care. However, with tailored treatment, the patient’s condition gradually started to improve. She was later discharged after completing 40 days of induction therapy with normal CT CHEST. Her latest bone marrow sample reveals that she is cancer-free.”

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) is a hematological emergency that can be life-threatening. With timely intervention by a Hematologist and advances in diagnostic techniques and modern treatments, APL can now be treated as well as cured. The patient is still on consolidation therapy. She has now resumed her daily routine and is leading a healthy life.

American Oncology Institute at Nangia Specialty Hospital is one of the comprehensive cancer units in Nagpur with a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists, providing all the modalities of medical oncology, hemato-oncology, radiation oncology, and cancer surgeries under one roof based on the international treatment guidelines in cancer care. The state-of-the-art BMT and Hematology Unit caters to patients with complex blood disorders and blood cancers which include all kinds of anemia, marrow failure syndromes, coagulation disorders, acute and chronic leukemia, myelomas, and lymphomas (Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s), thalassemia etc.