Targeting HIF-1α in cancer therapy presents several challenges. Its widespread role in normal cellular functions means that systemic inhibition can lead to significant side effects. Additionally, the redundancy and compensatory mechanisms in the hypoxia response pathway may limit the effectiveness of HIF-1α inhibitors. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of tumors and the dynamic nature of hypoxia within the tumor microenvironment add to the complexity of developing targeted therapies.
