Arsenic compounds: revived ancient remedies in the fight against human malignancies

► Arsenic has been shown to be the most potent single agent against APL. ► Arsenic binds PML-RARα and induces its sumoylation/ubiquitination and degradation. ► Arsenic/ATRA/chemotherapy regimen achieves a 5-year overall survival of >90% in APL. ► Arsenic may bring new therapeutic benefits to other hematologic malignancies.