ATP in the treatment of advanced cancer

This chapter discusses the three properties of intravenously administered adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that contribute to its efficacy and are expected to significantly affect the outcomes of patients with advanced cancer. The three properties of ATP discussed in the chapter are cytolytic activities of ATP, the induction of resistance by ATP, and anticachexia effects of ATP. The cytolytic activities of ATP are attributed to both purinergic receptors and non- receptor-mediated mechanisms. The induction of resistance by ATP induces resistance to chemo- and radiation therapy in normal tissues. The third proven activity of ATP (anticachexia effects)-its ability to effectively expand the liver, red blood cells, and blood plasma ATP pools-is expected to significantly contribute to a favorable outcome in the treatment of advanced cachectic cancers, especially in older patients, by delivering purines to purine-depleted peripheral sites. A large amount of data establishes that on aging and in cachectic disease models, a significant depletion of purines in vivo can be easily noted. The anticachexia effects of ATP translate into significant improvements in the quality of life parameters in the advanced disease patients. The anticachexia effects of ATP and its effectiveness in delivering purines to purine-depleted peripheral sites act to protect the host from the otherwise devastating effects of high-dose cytotoxic and/or radiation therapy.