MODEL RELEASED. Leukaemia patient talking with consultant Professor Stephen Proctor. The patient is suffering from acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), which results in the presence of many promyelocyte cells. These cells have a granular cytoplasm and are precursors for other cells. APL results in malaise, shortness of breath and spontaneous bruising. Current treatment involves transfusions of plasma and platelets as well chemotherapy. Although the treatment is also a major cause of mortality due to intracranial bleeding. Professor Proctor is investigating the use of stem cells to treat this leukaemia, which would not carry the risk of death.