Arsenic trioxide: an ancient drug revived

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a rare subtype of acute myeloid leukemia with a historically poor prognosis.
• Traditional chemotherapy for APL has limitations in efficacy and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical uses of arsenic trioxide (ATO) in treating APL and other cancers.
• To explore the mechanisms of action and adverse effects associated with ATO therapy.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and CHKD databases.
• Relevant English and Chinese articles published between 1957 and 2011 were selected.
• Keywords included acute promyelocytic leukemia, arsenic trioxide, treatment, and mechanism.

Main Results:

• ATO demonstrates significant efficacy in APL treatment, markedly increasing complete remission rates.
• ATO therapy prolongs survival in APL patients and is associated with mild, transient adverse effects.
• Understanding ATO's mechanisms offers potential for broader oncological applications.

Conclusions:

• ATO is an effective treatment for APL, offering a better prognosis than conventional chemotherapy.
• Further elucidation of ATO's mechanisms is crucial for expanding its clinical utility in various human malignancies.