Leveraging adenosine triphosphate for cancer theranostics

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key target for cancer therapeutics.
• Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a critical molecule within the TME, influencing both tumor progression and immune surveillance.
• Elevated ATP levels in the TME compared to healthy tissues present a unique therapeutic and diagnostic opportunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of ATP-based strategies for cancer therapy and diagnosis.
• To explore the dual roles of ATP in cancer, encompassing both tumor promotion and immune priming.
• To identify current challenges and future research directions in ATP-based cancer theranostics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on ATP in the TME.
• Analysis of ATP's biochemical functions in cancer cell proliferation and immune response.
• Discussion of current therapeutic and diagnostic strategies leveraging ATP.

Main Results:

• ATP acts as an energy source for cancer cells, promoting proliferation.
• ATP also functions as a signal transducer, activating anti-tumor immune responses.
• Significant disparities in ATP levels between tumor and non-tumor tissues are confirmed.

Conclusions:

• ATP's multifaceted role in the TME offers significant potential for novel cancer theranostics.
• Targeting ATP or its signaling pathways presents promising avenues for cancer treatment and diagnosis.
• Further research is needed to overcome current challenges and fully realize ATP's potential in clinical applications.