Tetra-arsenic oxide (Tetras) enhances radiation sensitivity of solid tumors by anti-vascular effect

Cancer Lett. 2009 May 18;277(2):212-7. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2008.12.012. Epub 2009 Jan 19.

Abstract

Tetras (tetra-arsenic oxide, As(4)O(6)) is a derivative of arsenic used in Korean traditional medicine for the treatment of cancer, but its mechanism remains largely undefined. Recently, a similar arsenic derivative, diarsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3), ATO), has been shown to mediate anti-tumor activity, therefore reigniting interest in the therapeutic effect of arsenic compounds. Here we report that Tetras can effectively mediate an anti-vascular effect on tumors, leading to delay in tumor growth and increased survival. Our study demonstrates for the first time the potential use of Tetras as a radiation therapy enhancement agent for solid tumors. These findings reveal an unappreciated role of Tetras in cancer therapy and its potential application to radiotherapy in achieving local tumor control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Arsenic Trioxide
  • Arsenicals / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Neoplasms, Squamous Cell / blood supply
  • Neoplasms, Squamous Cell / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy*
  • Oxides / therapeutic use*
  • Radiation Tolerance / drug effects*
  • Transplantation, Heterologous

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Arsenicals
  • Oxides
  • Arsenic Trioxide