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Induction and Testing of Hypoxia in Cell Culture
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Intermittent hypoxia and cancer: Undesirable bed partners?
Isaac Almendros1, David Gozal2
1Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
|August 19, 2017
Summary
Intermittent hypoxia (IH), a condition often seen in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), accelerates tumor progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. This review summarizes evidence linking IH to various cancer types.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hypoxia Research
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Intermittent hypoxia (IH) is linked to negative cancer outcomes, primarily studied in solid tumors with aberrant circulation.
- IH is a key feature of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), prompting research into its role in cancer incidence and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate and review existing evidence on the effects of intermittent hypoxia on various cancer types.
- To highlight the proposed role of IH patterns in OSA as a factor in cancer development and advancement.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental models (in vitro and in vivo).
- Analysis of studies evaluating IH effects in the context of solid tumors and OSA.
Main Results:
- IH is associated with accelerated tumor progression, increased metastasis, and enhanced resistance to cancer therapies.
- Recent research suggests IH patterns characteristic of OSA may promote cancer incidence and progression.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent hypoxia significantly impacts cancer biology, contributing to malignancy.
- Further research into the IH-OSA-cancer link is crucial for understanding and potentially mitigating cancer risk.
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