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ABSTRACT
Introduction
Arsenicals have a special place in the history of human health, acting both as poison and medicine. Having been used to treat a variety of diseases in the past, the success of arsenic trioxide (ATO) in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in the last century marked its use as a drug in modern medicine. To expand their role against cancer, there have been clinical uses of arsenicals worldwide and progress in the development of drug delivery for various malignancies, especially solid tumors.
Areas covered
In this review, conducted on Google Scholar [1977–2024], we start with various forms of arsenicals, highlighting the well-known ATO. The mechanism of action of arsenicals in cancer therapy is then overviewed. A summary of the research progress in developing new delivery approaches (e.g. polymers, inorganic frameworks, and biomacromolecules) in recent years is provided, addressing the challenges and opportunities in treating various malignant tumors.
Expert opinion
Reducing toxicity and enhancing therapeutic efficacy are guidelines for designing and developing new arsenicals and drug delivery systems. They have shown potential in the fight against cancer and emerging pathogens. New technologies and strategies can help us harness the potency of arsenicals and make better products.
Article highlights
Throughout history, various types of arsenic have been utilized to treat a range of illnesses. One such form, arsenic trioxide, is an approved medication for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and has been found to inhibit the growth of solid tumors by triggering apoptosis.
Arsenic has a variety of effects and can affect multiple pathways in cancer cells by binding to different proteins involved in processes like metabolism, redox potential regulation, and mutation.
The latest advances in arsenic drug delivery, particularly nanoparticles made of different types of drug delivery systems such as liposomes, synthetic polymers etc., are summarized.
Arsenic chemistry and drug delivery technology may overcome the limitations in arsenicals as anticancer agents enabling the efficient use in treating malignant tumors.
Declaration of interest
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
Reviewer disclosures
Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.
Author contributions
F Liu: writing and coordinating the manuscript. Y Deng: writing and editing of the manuscript. A Wang: writing and editing of the manuscript and literature research. T Yang: editing of the manuscript and literature research. H Ke: editing of the manuscript and literature research. Y Tang: editing of the manuscript and literature research. H Wu: editing of the manuscript and literature research. H Chen: writing and coordinating the authors’ activities.