Novel therapy for liver cancer: direct intraarterial injection of a potent inhibitor of ATP production

Cancer Res. 2002 Jul 15;62(14):3909-13.

Abstract

Most types of cancer are difficult to eradicate and some, like liver carcinomas, are almost always fatal. Significantly, we report here that direct intraarterial delivery of 3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA), a potent inhibitorof cell ATP production, to liver-implanted rabbit tumors, inflicts a rapid, lethal blow to most cancer cells therein. Moreover, systemic delivery of 3-BrPA suppresses "metastatic" tumors that arise in the lungs. In both cases, there is no apparent harm to other organs or to the animals. Thus, intraarterial delivery of agents like 3-BrPA directly to the site of the primary tumor, followed by systemic delivery only when necessary, may represent a powerful new strategy for arresting the growth of liver and other cancers while minimizing toxic side effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / biosynthesis
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Embolization, Therapeutic
  • Injections, Intra-Arterial
  • Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / drug therapy*
  • Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Pyruvates / administration & dosage*
  • Pyruvates / adverse effects
  • Rabbits

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Pyruvates
  • bromopyruvate
  • Adenosine Triphosphate