Description
Indications
ATO is an arsenical indicated:
- In combination with tretinoin for treatment of adults with newly-diagnosed low-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) whose APL is characterized by the presence of the t (15;17) translocation or PML/RAR-alpha gene expression.
- For induction of remission and consolidation in patients with APL who are refractory to, or have relapsed from, retinoid and anthracycline chemotherapy, and whose APL is characterized by the presence of the t (15;17) translocation or PML/RAR-alpha gene expression.
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Pharmacology
The mechanism of action of Arsenic Trioxide is not completely understood. Arsenic trioxide causes morphological changes and DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptosis in NB4 human promyelocytic leukemia cells in vitro. Arsenic trioxide also causes damage or degradation of the fusion protein promyelocytic leukemia (PML)-retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-alpha.Dosage & Administration
Newly-diagnosed low-risk APL:
- Induction: Administer 0.15 mg/kg/day intravenously daily in combination with tretinoin until bone marrow remission. Do not exceed 60 days.
- Consolidation: Administer 0.15 mg/kg/day intravenously daily for 5 days per week during weeks 1-4 of each 8-week cycle for a total of 4 cycles in combination with tretinoin.
Relapsed or refractory APL:
- Induction: Administer 0.15 mg/kg/day intravenously daily until bone marrow remission. Do not exceed 60 days.
- Consolidation: Administer 0.15 mg/kg/day intravenously daily for 25 doses over a period of up to 5 weeks.
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Interaction
Drugs That Can Prolong the QT/QTc Interval: Concomitant use of these drugs and ATO may increase the risk of serious QT/QTc interval prolongation. Discontinue or replace with an alternative drug that does not prolong the QT/QTc interval while the patient is using ATO. Monitor ECGs more frequently in patients when it is not feasible to avoid concomitant use.
Drugs That Can Lead to Electrolyte Abnormalities: Electrolyte abnormalities increase the risk of serious QT/QTc interval prolongation. Avoid concomitant use of drugs that can lead to electrolyte abnormalities. Monitor electrolytes more frequently in patients who must receive concomitant use of these drugs and ATO.
Drugs That Can Lead to Hepatotoxicity: Concomitant use of these drugs and ATO, particularly when given in combination with tretinoin, may increase the risk of serious hepatotoxicity. Discontinue or replace with an alternative drug that does not cause hepatotoxicity while the patient is using ATO. Monitor liver function tests more frequently in patients when it is not feasible to avoid concomitant use.
Contraindications
Arsenic Trioxide is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to arsenic.





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