Oral arsenic trioxide treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia

Frontline Oral Arsenic Trioxide-based Induction in Newly Diagnosed Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia

Phase 2 Interventional The University of Hong Kong · NCT04687176

This study is testing a new oral treatment using arsenic trioxide and vitamin A to see if it can help people with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia while reducing the need for chemotherapy.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations2 sites (Hong Kong and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04687176 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy of an oral formulation of arsenic trioxide combined with all-trans-retinoic acid in treating newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Patients will undergo a 42-day induction phase followed by chemotherapy-free consolidation and maintenance phases. The study aims to monitor molecular responses and assess the overall survival and leukemia-free survival rates. The approach seeks to minimize chemotherapy exposure while maintaining high treatment efficacy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals newly diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia who meet specific genetic criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbidities or advanced disease may not benefit from this treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a safer, chemotherapy-free option for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating a potential for success in this novel treatment strategy.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Newly diagnosed APL with t(15;17)(q24;q21) or acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with variant RARA translocation according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification 2022
2. Ability and willingness to comply with the study procedures and restrictions
3. Voluntary written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. ECOG performance score \>2
2. Decompensated heart failure with left-ventricular ejection fraction of less than 40% and global hypokinesia on echocardiogram.
3. Prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc) ≥ 500ms, in the absence of electrolyte disturbances and medications known to prolong QTc
4. Significant liver function derangement (Bilirubin \> 3 times upper limit normal and/or ALT \> 5 times upper limit of normal)
5. Glomerular filtration rate (GRF) by Cockcroft-Gault formula or eGFR (MDRD) of less than 30mL/min in adults (aged ≥ 18) or Creatinine clearance \< 50ml/min/1.73m2 in paediatric and adolescent patients (Age ≤ 17)
6. Female subject who is lactating or has positive pregnancy test result prior to the first dose of study drug

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Acute Promyelocytic LeukemiaOral Arsenic TrioxideChemotherapy-free
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.