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Updated: Jan 21, 2026
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Electrochemotherapy of Tumours
Published on: December 15, 2008
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Sodium homeostasis in the tumour microenvironment
Theresa K Leslie1, Andrew D James1, Fulvio Zaccagna2
1Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Reviews on Cancer
|July 27, 2019
Summary
Altered sodium ion (Na+) handling in solid tumors impacts cell function and the tumor microenvironment. Understanding these changes offers potential for new cancer imaging biomarkers and treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sodium ions (Na+) are crucial for cellular functions, including nutrient transport and maintaining cell volume.
- The Na+ gradient across cell membranes is vital for cellular energy (ATP) expenditure and cellular osmolarity.
- Tumor microenvironments exhibit altered Na+ concentrations, affecting cell metabolism and immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence of altered sodium ion handling in solid tumors.
- To explore the mechanisms behind these Na+ alterations in cancer.
- To consider the implications of dysregulated Na+ balance for cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on sodium ion concentrations and handling in solid tumors.
- Analysis of cellular, tissue, and patient-level data related to Na+.
- Exploration of potential molecular mechanisms driving Na+ dysregulation in cancer.
Main Results:
- Solid tumors show elevated sodium ion concentrations compared to healthy tissues.
- Altered Na+ handling affects cellular energy metabolism and tumor osmolarity.
- Changes in Na+ balance are linked to tumor progression and immune evasion.
Conclusions:
- Dysregulated sodium ion balance is a key feature of the tumor microenvironment.
- Understanding Na+ dysregulation may reveal novel therapeutic targets and drug repurposing opportunities.
- Altered Na+ handling presents potential for developing new imaging biomarkers for cancer detection and monitoring.
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