What is Tumor Hypoxia?
Tumor hypoxia, or low oxygen concentration, is a result of the disordered vasculature found in all solid tumors and represents a compelling target for anti-cancer intervention. Conventional anti-cancer therapies typically target actively dividing cells in close proximity to the vasculature. But solid tumors also have zones in which the vasculature is disordered and chaotic. There are many irregularities and abnormalities in tumor vasculature including a wide variation in the distance between the blood vessels that carry oxygen and other vital nutrients to tissues. In normal tissues, the distance between blood vessels is carefully regulated by several processes. However, in tumors the growth of malignant cells is unregulated and some cells or regions literally outgrow their blood supply, leading to severe deficiencies in the perfusion of oxygen and nutrients. Also, the blood vessels in tumors are often abnormal with blind-ends and temporary occlusions. Together, the abnormalities in tum
