Effect of adenosine 5'-triphosphate infusions on the nutritional status and survival of preterminal cancer patients.

S. Beijer*, P.S.G.J. Hupperets, B.E. van den Borne, S.R. Eussen, A.M. van Henten, M. van den Beuken Everdingen, A. de Graeff, T.A. Ambergen, P.A. van den Brandt, P.C. Dagnelie

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of intravenous infusions of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) on nutritional status and survival in preterminal cancer patients. Ninety-nine preterminal cancer patients (estimated life expectancy 1-6 months) with mixed tumor types were randomly allocated to receive either intravenous ATP weekly (8-10 h/week, maximum 50 mug/kg/min) for 8 weeks, or no ATP (control group). Nutritional status parameters were assessed until 8 weeks, and analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of covariance. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to assess the effect of ATP on short-term (0-8 weeks) and long-term (0-6 months) survival. Fifty-one patients were randomized to ATP and 48 to the control group. Results showed a significant favorable effect of ATP on triceps skin fold thickness [between-group difference per 8 weeks 1.76 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48-3.12 mm; P = 0.009] and on short-term survival [0-8 weeks hazard ratio (HR): 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17-0.95; P = 0.037]. In weight-stable patients and in lung cancer patients, long-term survival (0-6 months) was also significantly better in ATP-treated patients (weight-stable patients HR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.19-0.83; P = 0.014; patients with lung cancer: HR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.14-0.88; P = 0.025). In conclusion, in this population of preterminal cancer patients, ATP infusions, at the dose and schedule studied, had a favorable effect on triceps skin fold thickness and survival, especially in weight-stable patients and patients with lung cancer. Larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings and to further define the effect of ATP on tumor growth and survival.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)625-633
JournalAnti-Cancer Drugs
Volume20
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2009

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