Objective  To explore the effectiveness and side effects of pirarubicin in the consolidation chemotherapy of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

  Methods  We retrospectively studied 58 cases of newly diagnosed APL that achieved complete remission (CR). The patients were divided into two groups, with 26 cases in the TA group (pirarubicin + cytarabin), and 32 cases in the DA group (daunorubicin + cytarabin).

  Results  Of the 58 patients, 5 relapsed: 1 case in the TA group and 4 cases in DA group. Although no significant difference was observed between the Objective: two groups, the 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse was lower in the TA group than the DA group (5.0 % vs. 13.0 %). The 3-year event free survival (EFS) was higher in the TA group (93.3 % vs. 76.5 %). The incidence and the degree of hematologic toxicity were similar. A mild transient T-wave abnormality was observed in 9.2% of the chemotherapy cycles in the TA group. The TA group had a lower incidence of cardiac toxicity than the DA group.

  Conclusion  The TA and DA regimens have similar effects on the consolidation chemotherapy of APL. The difference in side effects between the two groups was not significant. Pirarubicin has a lower incidence of cardiac toxicity. The TA regimen (pirarubicin + cytarabin) may be an alternative to APL consolidation therapy.