Hypoxic microenvironment in neuroendocrine tumours

#4396

Introduction: The hypoxic microenvironment is a hallmark of many solid tumours, including neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). Hypoxia plays a crucial role in tumour progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. However, the specific mechanisms by which hypoxia influences NET behaviour remain poorly understood.

Aim(s): To investigate the role of the hypoxic microenvironment in the progression and therapeutic resistance of neuroendocrine tumours, focusing on molecular pathways and cellular responses to hypoxic stress.

Materials and methods: NET cell lines were cultured under normoxic and hypoxic conditions (1% O₂). Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) expression, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, and alterations in key signalling pathways were assessed. We also evaluated the impact of hypoxia on NET cell migration, invasion, and resistance to chemotherapy (cisplatin, etoposide).

Conference:

Presenting Author:

Authors: Xu L, Yu P, Ye M, Chen J, Tang Q,

Keywords: Neuroendocrine tumour, hypoxia, HIF-1α, VEGF, mTOR, PI3K/AKT, drug resistance, EMT,