This review looked at how low oxygen levels, known as hypoxia, affect cancer stem cells and the immune system. Researchers analyzed 14 studies to see how these conditions influence how cancer grows and spreads. The findings suggest that hypoxia is linked to several factors, including the growth of cancer stem cells, their ability to self-renew, and their potential to spread to other parts of the body.
In addition to helping cancer cells grow, these conditions were linked to the suppression of immune cells. Specifically, the study found that certain immune cells, such as natural killer cells and T-cells, had their functions impaired. The research also noted that hypoxia can involve immune checkpoints and other signals that help the cancer evade the body's natural defenses.
It is important to note that most of this evidence comes from laboratory and experimental settings. The researchers noted that this is a framework for understanding how cancer behaves rather than a proven universal pathway. While some pathways might be targets for future treatments, the findings are currently experimental and not yet used in standard clinical practice.
