How Do Nutrient Gradients Affect Cancer Treatment?
Nutrient gradients can impact the effectiveness of cancer treatments in multiple ways. For instance, regions of hypoxia within tumors can reduce the efficacy of radiation therapy, as oxygen is a potent radiosensitizer. Chemotherapy drugs may also have limited penetration in poorly perfused areas, leading to incomplete eradication of cancer cells. Understanding and targeting nutrient gradients can help develop more effective treatment strategies by addressing the unique challenges posed by the tumor microenvironment.
