Molecular remission with arsenic trioxide in patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Thirty six APML patients achieving hematological remission with As2O3 were serially monitored using RT-PCR. Though only 5.5% achieved molecular remission at induction remission, 94.5% became negative during consolidation. At 20 months follow-up, 85% remain in remission but longer follow up studies are needed to monitor late relapses.