Risk/benefit profile of arsenic trioxide

Oncologist. 2001:6 Suppl 2:29-32. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.6-suppl_2-29.

Abstract

Approximately 20%-30% of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) who are treated with the current standard all-trans retinoic acid and anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimen suffer relapse. In the mid-1990s, studies from China reported the effective use of arsenic trioxide in achieving complete remission in patients with APL. In the United States, a multicenter trial of this agent in 40 patients with relapsed APL following conventional therapy confirmed the positive safety and efficacy outcomes of a smaller 12-patient pilot study. Common adverse events were hyperleukocytosis, APL differentiation syndrome, prolonged QT interval on electrocardiogram, skin rash, and hyperglycemia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Arsenic Trioxide
  • Arsenicals* / adverse effects
  • Arsenicals* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Oxides* / adverse effects
  • Oxides* / therapeutic use
  • Risk Assessment

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Arsenicals
  • Oxides
  • Arsenic Trioxide