Cytarabine triphosphate is primarily used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other hematologic malignancies. It functions as an antimetabolite, integrating into DNA during the replication process, which inhibits the synthesis of new DNA strands. This action ultimately leads to the death of rapidly dividing cancer cells. In clinical settings, it is often administered as part of combination chemotherapy regimens to enhance its efficacy. Additionally, it is utilized in research laboratories to study nucleotide metabolism and the mechanisms of DNA synthesis inhibition. Its role in targeting specific phases of the cell cycle makes it a valuable tool in both therapeutic and experimental contexts.