Unraveling the triad of hypoxia, cancer cell stemness, and drug resistance.

ABSTRACT: In the domain of addressing cancer resistance, challenges such as limited effectiveness and treatment resistance remain persistent. Hypoxia is a key feature of solid tumors and is strongly associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Another significant portion of the development of acquired drug resistance is attributed to tumor stemness. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small tumor cell subset with self-renewal and proliferative abilities, are crucial for tumor initiation, metastasis, and intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Studies have shown a significant association between hypoxia and CSCs in the context of tumor resistance. Recent studies reveal a strong link between hypoxia and tumor stemness, which together promote tumor survival and progression during treatment. This review elucidates t

SUBMITTER: Shang T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11921735 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature