Hypoxia and Tumor Dormancy: Can the Two Tango?

摘要: Majority of cancer patients die metastatic disease that can develop decades after primary tumor removal. During this period the disseminated cells (DTCs) may stop proliferating and survive in a dormant state, phenomenon also referred to as minimal residual (MRD). MRD is well-known clinical studying mechanisms behind stage progression specifically contribution microenvironments are areas active investigation. Hypoxic microenvironments, which result from decrease oxygen levels, common during progression, but its role induction maintenance state remains unclear. This chapter focuses on some experimental well theoretical evidence supporting how hypoxia both at target organ sites influence enter dormancy. Furthermore, interplay between hypoxic unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling promoting survival cells, critical for long term therapy resistance reviewed. Lastly, emphasizes parallels concept dormancy stem (CSCs) overlapping roles mediated signals quiescence CSCs cells. information essential design urgently needed therapeutic strategies aimed either maintaining these DTCs or eradicating them before they progress overt metastasis.