Hypoxia can drive cancer progression by activating various hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). HIFs are transcription factors that regulate the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis, metabolism, cell survival, and invasion. By promoting angiogenesis, hypoxia enhances the tumor's ability to support its growth through the formation of new blood vessels. Moreover, hypoxia-induced changes in tumor metabolism can lead to increased resistance to cell death and promote a more aggressive cancer phenotype.
