Acidification of the TME has several significant impacts on cancer progression:
Invasion and Metastasis: Acidic conditions can degrade the extracellular matrix and promote the activity of proteases, facilitating tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Immune Evasion: A low pH can impair the function of immune cells, such as T cells and natural killer cells, allowing cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. Drug Resistance: Acidic environments can affect the uptake and efficacy of certain chemotherapeutic agents, contributing to treatment resistance.
