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Drug Formulary information is intended for use by healthcare professionals. It is not intended to be medical advice. Some of the information, including information about funding for cancer drugs, does not apply to all patients. Cancer treatment plans are unique to each patient. If you are a patient, please speak with your healthcare team to understand how this information applies to you.

ARSEATRA(CONS LO/INT)

Cancer Type:
Hematologic, 
Leukemia - Acute Promyelocytic (APL)
Intent: Curative
Regimen Category: evidence-informed
Funding:
New Drug Funding Program
    Arsenic Trioxide - First Line Consolidation of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)
New Drug Funding Program
    Arsenic Trioxide - Relapsed_Refractory Consolidation of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)
Exceptional Access Program
    tretinoin (ATRA)
A - Regimen Name

ARSEATRA(CONS LO/INT) Regimen


Disease Site
Hematologic - Leukemia - Acute Promyelocytic (APL)

Intent
Curative

Regimen Category
evidence-informed :

Regimen is considered appropriate as part of the standard care of patients; meaningfully  improves outcomes (survival, quality of life), tolerability or costs compared to alternatives (recommended by the Disease Site Team and national consensus body e.g. pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review, pCODR).  Recommendation is based on an appropriately conducted phase III clinical trial relevant to the Canadian context OR (where phase III trials are not feasible) an appropriately sized phase II trial. Regimens where one or more drugs are not approved by Health Canada for any indication will be identified under Rationale and Use.

This Regimen Abstract is an abbreviated version of a Regimen Monograph and contains only top level information on usage, dosing, schedule, cycle length and special notes (if available). Information in regimen abstracts is accurate to the extent of the ST-QBP regimen master listings, and has not undergone the full review process of a regimen monograph. Full regimen monographs will be published for each ST-QBP regimen as they are developed.

The information provided in this document is intended for use only in the management of adults with leukemia, and for cancer centres with expertise in treating acute leukemia.


Rationale and Uses

Combination therapy in the first-line or relapsed/refractory setting for low to intermediate-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), as a consolidation treatment

 


Supplementary Public Funding

arsenic trioxide
New Drug Funding Program (Arsenic Trioxide - First Line Consolidation of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL))

arsenic trioxide
New Drug Funding Program (Arsenic Trioxide - Relapsed_Refractory Consolidation of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL))

tretinoin (ATRA)
Exceptional Access Program (tretinoin (ATRA))

 
B - Drug Regimen

tretinoin (ATRA)
*45 mg /m²/day PO Days 1 to 14 (every 28 days)

(*In 2 divided doses per day)

arsenic trioxide
0.15 mg /kg/day IV 5 days per week x 4 weeks (every 8 weeks)
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C - Cycle Frequency

Repeat tretinoin component for a total of 7 cycles (1 cycle = 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off).

Repeat arsenic trioxide component for a total of 4 cycles (1 cycle = 4 weeks on and 4 weeks off).

 
D - Premedication and Supportive Measures

Antiemetic Regimen:

Moderate

Other Supportive Care:

Also refer to CCO Antiemetic Recommendations.

 
K - References

Lo-Coco F, Avvisati G, Vignetti M, et al. Retinoic Acid and Arsenic Trioxide for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. N Engl J Med 2013;369:111-21.

July 2021 Updated Dosing section


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M - Disclaimer

Regimen Abstracts
A Regimen Abstract is an abbreviated version of a Regimen Monograph and contains only top level information on usage, dosing, schedule, cycle length and special notes (if available). It is intended for healthcare providers and is to be used for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for medical advice, and all uses of the Regimen Abstract are subject to clinical judgment. Such information is provided on an “as-is” basis, without any representation, warranty, or condition, whether express, or implied, statutory or otherwise, as to the information’s quality, accuracy, currency, completeness, or reliability, and Cancer Care Ontario disclaims all liability for the use of this information, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits that arise from such use.
Information in regimen abstracts is accurate to the extent of the ST-QBP regimen master listings, and has not undergone the full review process of a regimen monograph.  Full regimen monographs will be published for each ST-QBP regimen as they are developed.
Regimen Monographs
Refer to the New Drug Funding Program or Ontario Public Drug Programs websites for the most up-to-date public funding information.
The information set out in the drug monographs, regimen monographs, appendices and symptom management information (for health professionals) contained in the Drug Formulary (the "Formulary") is intended for healthcare providers and is to be used for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects of a particular drug, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for a given condition. The information in the Formulary is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for medical advice and should not be relied upon in any such regard. All uses of the Formulary are subject to clinical judgment and actual prescribing patterns may not follow the information provided in the Formulary.
The format and content of the drug monographs, regimen monographs, appendices and symptom management information contained in the Formulary will change as they are reviewed and revised on a periodic basis. The date of last revision will be visible on each page of the monograph and regimen. Since standards of usage are constantly evolving, it is advised that the Formulary not be used as the sole source of information. It is strongly recommended that original references or product monograph be consulted prior to using a chemotherapy regimen for the first time.
Some Formulary documents, such as the medication information sheets, regimen information sheets and symptom management information (for patients), are intended for patients. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions regarding any information set out in the Formulary documents.
While care has been taken in the preparation of the information contained in the Formulary, such information is provided on an “as-is” basis, without any representation, warranty, or condition, whether express, or implied, statutory or otherwise, as to the information’s quality, accuracy, currency, completeness, or reliability.
CCO and the Formulary’s content providers shall have no liability, whether direct, indirect, consequential, contingent, special, or incidental, related to or arising from the information in the Formulary or its use thereof, whether based on breach of contract or tort (including negligence), and even if advised of the possibility thereof. Anyone using the information in the Formulary does so at his or her own risk, and by using such information, agrees to indemnify CCO and its content providers from any and all liability, loss, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such person’s use of the information in the Formulary.