The Phenomenon of Tumor Hypoxia Many solid tumors are relatively resistant to treatment with
ionizing radiation and certain chemotherapeutic agents such as anthracyclines that are
affected adversely by acidic pH. These effects have primarily been attributed to the presence
of hypoxic cells within the tumor. The relevance of hypoxia with respect to failure of
radiotherapy to cure certain malignancies has had a chequered history. However, in recent
years the evidence that hypoxia plays a central role in relative radioresistance has become
more compelling.
Since approximately two-thirds of all women suffering from cervical carcinoma receive
radiation as a component of their therapy, an enhanced understanding of the interactions
between hypoxia and radiation as a component of their therapy, an enhanced understanding of
the interactions between hypoxia and radiation resistance is critical to improving outcome
among those with cervical cancer.