The International Consortium on Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (IC-APL) is an exciting initiative designed to foster interactions between clinicians and researchers in developing countries, with the long-term goals of improving clinical care and creating the infrastructure for ongoing clinical trials and translational research. Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay are implementing the clinical protocol for treatment of APL in a manner that tracks the outcomes of a clinical trial protocol.

Since its founding in December 2004, the IC-APL has made significant progress. Treatment takes place in centers in Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay. Co-Chair Dr. Nancy Berliner said, “Clinical outcomes rival those in large clinical trials in developed countries, with a complete remission (CR) rate of 90 percent, with most patients in CR having evidence of molecular remission.” All centers use the Pediatric Oncology Networked Database (POND) and the Cure4Kids programs for data management. Although supported partly by ASH and partly by grants from the Umberto Veronesi Foundation, Roche, and Cephalon France, much of the activity is funded by local and national sources.

The IC-APL is overseen by a governing body, consisting of founding members and the participating national coordinators. Several subcommittees review data and funding for the project. Bylaws detail the organizational structure, membership, collection of data, storage of materials, cooperation on studies, and tissue and data banking, as well as responsibilities of the participating countries. Although Brazil and Mexico have participated since the IC-APL’s inception, the initiative now includes Uruguay and Chile. The Consortium is likely to expand to several other interested countries, which are chosen through a formal process.

The IC-APL met this month to review information from other countries interested in participating, explore integrating pediatrics into the project, and identify other sources of funding to sustain the effort.

For more information on the IC-APL or questions about participating in this program, contact Clare Kelley, International Programs Specialist.

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