Targeting Hypoxia: Revival of Old Remedies
Nuria Vilaplana-Lopera1, Maxym Besh1, Eui Jung Moon1
1Department of Oncology, MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Headington OX3 7DQ, UK.
Abstract:
Tumour hypoxia is significantly correlated with patient survival and treatment outcomes. At the molecular level, hypoxia is a major driving factor for tumour progression and aggressiveness. Despite the accumulative scientific and clinical efforts to target hypoxia, there is still a need to find specific treatments for tumour hypoxia. In this review, we discuss a variety of approaches to alter the low oxygen tumour microenvironment or hypoxia pathways including carbogen breathing, hyperthermia, hypoxia-activated prodrugs, tumour metabolism and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) inhibitors. The recent advances in technology and biological understanding reveal the importance of revisiting old therapeutic regimens and repurposing their uses clinically.
Insights
Tumour hypoxia impacts patient survival and drives cancer progression. This review explores strategies like carbogen breathing, hyperthermia, and HIF inhibitors to target low oxygen tumor environments for better treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Tumor Microenvironment
Background:
- Tumor hypoxia is a critical factor influencing patient survival and treatment efficacy.
- Hypoxia drives tumor progression, aggressiveness, and resistance to therapy.
- Despite extensive research, effective clinical strategies targeting tumor hypoxia remain limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging therapeutic approaches for targeting tumor hypoxia.
- To discuss methods for altering the low oxygen tumor microenvironment and associated signaling pathways.
- To highlight the potential of repurposing existing treatments and novel strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature and clinical studies on tumor hypoxia.
- Discussion of therapeutic modalities including carbogen breathing, hyperthermia, and hypoxia-activated prodrugs.
- Analysis of targeting tumor metabolism and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathways.
Main Results:
- Various strategies exist to modulate the tumor microenvironment and hypoxia-driven pathways.
- Hypoxia-activated prodrugs, metabolic interventions, and HIF inhibitors show promise.
- Repurposing established therapies may offer new clinical avenues.
Conclusions:
- Targeting tumor hypoxia is crucial for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
- A combination of approaches may be necessary to effectively manage hypoxic tumors.
- Continued research and clinical evaluation of novel and repurposed therapies are essential.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue,...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:23Hypoxia
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
01:23Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...