Question:

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is used in the treatment of a tumour associated with which genetic abnormality?

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Differentiation therapy targets the leukemia defined by t(15;17).
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • BCR-ABL
  • PML-RARA
  • CMYC
  • CEBPA
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: ATRA is an active retinoid metabolite of vitamin A that drives terminal differentiation of malignant cells.
Step 2: It is the differentiation therapy of choice for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), the M3 subtype of AML.
Step 3: APL is defined by the t(15;17) translocation producing the PML-RARA fusion gene. This fusion blocks myeloid differentiation, and ATRA overcomes the block, allowing promyelocytes to mature.
Conclusion: The tumour treated by ATRA is APL, associated with PML-RARA. BCR-ABL is CML, CMYC is Burkitt lymphoma, and CEBPA is a separate AML mutation.
Ref: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease.
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