Abstract

Solid tumours contain regions at very low oxygen concentrations (hypoxia), often surrounding areas of necrosis. The cells in these hypoxic regions are resistant to both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the existence of hypoxia and necrosis also provides an opportunity for tumour-selective therapy, including prodrugs activated by hypoxia, hypoxia-specific gene therapy, targeting the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 transcription factor, and recombinant anaerobic bacteria. These strategies could turn what is now an impediment into a significant advantage for cancer therapy.

Author affiliations

1. Division of Radiation and Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
2. Experimental Oncology Group, Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.

Correspondence to: J. Martin Brown¹ Email: mbrown@stanford.edu

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