Arsenic Trioxide

Belonging to a group of medicines called antineoplastics, arsenic trioxide (Trisenox^®) is indicated for the treatment of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

Arsenic trioxide is approved for treatment of leukemia when patients do not respond to initial treatment, or following recurrence of the cancer. Given as an injection, arsenic trioxide has shown to be successful as a subsequent treatment. Because arsenic trioxide selectively targets APL cells (while working to spare surrounding healthy cells), it also causes minimal chemotherapy related side effects.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your team of cancer experts will work together to determine if arsenic trioxide is the right APL treatment option for you. As part of our whole-patient approach to cancer treatment, an individualized plan of care will be developed with you, taking into account each of your specific needs.

Chat now with an Oncology Information Specialist to learn more about our unique approach to cancer treatment. Discover the benefits of a carefully outlined plan designed to treat all of you.

Patients undergoing arsenic trioxide treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia may experience the following, common side effects:

• Headache
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Swelling
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Itching or rash
• High blood sugar
• Temporary increased level of white blood cells

It is important to note that these are not all of the side effects associated with arsenic trioxide treatment. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your team of cancer specialists will discuss each of the side effects with you, as well as all expectations for treatment.

Our individualized approach to cancer treatment will ensure that you are at the center of everything we do. You will be well informed about arsenic trioxide treatment, as well as other treatment options to be considered.

Arsenic trioxide is approved for treatment of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), following initial therapy. It may be an option for APL patients who did not sustain remission following the first round of treatment.

Arsenic trioxide works by reducing the number of cancer cells in the body. It has also been shown to be effective at preventing the multiplication and growth of cancer cells. Given in the right amount, arsenic trioxide has shown to be both safe and effective in clinical studies. It has been approved for treatment of APL by the U.S. FDA.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your cancer doctors will work together to ensure proper treatment with arsenic trioxide, as well as all other medications used during your individualized plan of care. Our unique approach to cancer treatment works to fight your disease on all fronts. We encourage participation from both you and your family to ensure you are comfortable with all decisions made regarding your treatment.

Learn more about our whole-patient approach to cancer treatment. Contact our Oncology Information Specialists today at 1-800-234-0509.