Most common translocation in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) is
**Core Concept**
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) is a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) characterized by the accumulation of immature granulocytes called promyelocytes. The disease is often associated with chromosomal translocations that disrupt normal gene expression.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The most common translocation in APML involves the PML gene on chromosome 15 and the RARA gene on chromosome 17. This translocation, denoted as t(15;17), results in the fusion of the PML and RARA genes, leading to the formation of a chimeric protein that interferes with normal cell differentiation and apoptosis. The PML-RARA fusion protein is a key driver of the leukemic process in APML.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not specified, so we'll move to the next one.
* **Option B:** Other chromosomal translocations, such as t(8;21) and inv(16), are also associated with AML, but they are not the most common translocation in APML.
* **Option C:** This option is not specified, so we'll move to the next one.
* **Option D:** This option is not specified, so we'll move to the next one.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The PML-RARA fusion protein is a target for specific therapies, such as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide, which can induce differentiation and apoptosis in APML cells, leading to improved outcomes for patients with this disease.
**Correct Answer:** t(15;17).