Asik SyedAcute Promyelocytic Leukaemia (APL) is a rare, aggressive subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), accounting for about 10–15% of AML cases. It stems from a genetic mutation—specifically, a fusion between the PML and RARA genes. This fusion leads to dangerously low levels of white blood cells and platelets, impairing immunity and clotting, and potentially causing fatal internal bleeding if not treated swiftly. Prompt diagnosis is vital—early intervention can lead to high cure rates.
About Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia
- Median age at diagnosis: 34 years
- Male-to-female ratio: 1.5:1
- Symptoms: Gum/nose bleeding, fatigue, fever, bone pain
- Challenge: Symptoms often mimic other conditions
Why Diagnosis is Difficult
Current diagnostic tools for APL are slow, costly, and require sophisticated lab setups—making them inaccessible in rural or under-resourced areas. This delay in diagnosis can be life-threatening.
Introducing RAPID-CRISPR
Developed at Tata Memorial Hospital, the RAPID-CRISPR test is a revolutionary diagnostic tool powered by CRISPR technology. It offers:
- Results in <3 hours
- Low-cost
- Minimal lab requirements
How It Works
- A sample of the patient’s peripheral blood is added to a test tube.
- The test targets the PML-RARA gene fusion.
- CRISPR cuts the gene and triggers a visual signal.
- Results appear on a lateral flow strip—just like a home pregnancy test.
In most cases, peripheral blood is enough. For patients with very low white blood cell counts, a bone marrow sample is used.
Accuracy and Performance
- Sensitivity & Specificity: Nearly 100%
- Validation: Correctly identified all 134 cases in clinical trials
- 10x more sensitive than standard testing methods
Global Impact
The test is designed for accessibility—ideal for low-resource settings. Its ease of use and affordability make it a potential global solution for timely APL diagnosis. Future enhancements could enable at-home testing, expanding access even further.
What’s Next?
Currently, three separate strips detect the three isoforms of PML-RARA. Researchers are working to streamline the process with a single-tube, single-strip assay—a big step toward faster, more efficient diagnosis.
Professor
Neha Baruah
Asik Syed
