Tumor Hypoxia: Causative Factors, Compensatory Mechanisms, and Cellular Response

Abstract Learning Objectives After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Explain the effect of hypoxia on resistance to treatment. Describe the causes of tumor hypoxia. Characterize cellular response to hypoxia. Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com Hypoxia is a characteristic feature of locally advanced solid tumors resulting from an imbalance between oxygen (O2) supply and consumption. Major causative factors of tumor hypoxia are abnormal structure and function of the microvessels supplying the tumor, increased diffusion distances between the nutritive blood vessels and the tumor cells, and reduced O2 tra…