Yes, hypoxia can promote metastasis, the spread of cancer to distant organs, by enhancing the invasive capabilities of cancer cells. Under hypoxic conditions, cancer cells may undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that increases their motility and invasiveness. Hypoxia also stimulates the production of enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix, facilitating the escape of cancer cells from the primary tumor site. Furthermore, the alteration of cell adhesion molecules in response to hypoxia aids in the dissemination of cancer cells through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
