What is the Impact of Hypoxia on Tumor Growth and Metastasis?
Hypoxia within tumors promotes a more aggressive cancer phenotype. It triggers the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), which are transcription factors that activate the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), metabolism, cell survival, and invasion. These changes facilitate tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
