A series of fused 1,2,4-triazoles has been prepared by oxidative intramolecular cyclization of heterocyclic hydrazones with selenium dioxide. General applicability of this practical protocol was confirmed by the synthesis of moderate to good yields of 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridines, 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidines, 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyramidines, and 1,2,4-triazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxa lines. All compounds were tested in vitro for their cytotoxic activity against HCT-116, A549, and Colo-205 cell lines. Two compounds, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-7-methyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine and 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline, showed potent antiproliferative activity against the three cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]