Arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) has a colorful history as a murder tool, poison and generally dangerous substance. It is also an ancient drug, having been used indiscriminately in the past for various diseases, albeit in very small amounts. Apart from its status as a homeopath, there was no formal definition of its use in modern medicine. Only in a recent revival of some half-forgotten agents, such as thalidomide and some proteasome inhibitors, has arsenic trioxide joined the welcome ranks of promising anticancer agents. It can even slow progression in myelodysplastic syndromes, such as leukemia and multiple myeloma.
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