Tetra-arsenic oxide (Tetras) enhances radiation sensitivity of solid tumors by anti-vascular effect.

Tetras (tetra-arsenic oxide, As(4)O(6)) is a derivative of arsenic used in Korean traditional medicine for the treatment of cancer, but its mechanism remains largely undefined. Recently, a similar arsenic derivative, diarsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3), ATO), has been shown to mediate anti-tumor activity, therefore reigniting interest in the therapeutic effect of arsenic compounds. Here we report that Tetras can effectively mediate an anti-vascular effect on tumors, leading to delay in tumor growth and increased survival.

The Zuckerkandl's tubercle: a useful anatomical landmark for detecting both the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the superior parathyroid during thyroid surgery.

Zuckerkandl's tubercle (ZT) is a well-documented anatomical structure. This study evaluated ZT anatomical characteristics in terms of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and the superior parathyroid (SP). The study involved 325 (10 with benign tumors and 315 with malignancies) patients who underwent thyroidectomy between February and June 2007.