Oxygenation is crucial in cancer treatment for several reasons. Firstly, sufficient oxygen levels can enhance the effectiveness of various therapies, including radiation therapy. Oxygen acts as a radiosensitizer, meaning it makes cancer cells more susceptible to radiation damage. Secondly, improved oxygenation can inhibit the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), which are proteins that help cancer cells survive low-oxygen conditions and promote angiogenesis and metastasis.
