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Concepts of oxygen transport at the microcirculatory level.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Dewhirst, MW
Published in: Semin Radiat Oncol
July 1998

This article compares and contrasts the classic paradigms underlying the development of chronic and acute hypoxia in tumors. The classic theory of Thomlinson and Gray suggested that chronic hypoxia is the result of large intravascular distances. Newer evidence suggests that a multiplicity of effects contribute to this process, including steep longitudinal gradients of partial pressure of oxygen (Po2) along the vascular tree before arteriolar entry into tumor, rheologic effects on red cell deformability brought on by intravascular hypoxia, uneven distribution of red cell fluxes in microvessels leading to plasma channels, irregular vascular geometry, and oxygen demand that is out of balance with the supply. The most common theories have suggested that vascular stasis is the most common source of acute hypoxia. If this were true, the incidence of this form of hypoxia would be relatively rare because most studies indicate that total stasis probably occurs less than 5% of the time. Studies have suggested, however, that spontaneous fluctuation in tumor blood flow, on the microregional level, can lead to tissue hypoxia, and total vascular stasis is not required. Spontaneous fluctuations in flow and Po2 appear to occur commonly. Thus, the most current evidence suggests that tumor oxygenation is in a continuous state of flux. Collectively, this new information has important implications for therapy resistance and gene expression.

Duke Scholars

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Published In

Semin Radiat Oncol

DOI

ISSN

1053-4296

Publication Date

July 1998

Volume

8

Issue

3

Start / End Page

143 / 150

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Prognosis
  • Partial Pressure
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Oxygen
  • Oncology & Carcinogenesis
  • Neoplasms
  • Microcirculation
  • Humans
  • Hemorheology
 

Citation

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Dewhirst, M. W. (1998). Concepts of oxygen transport at the microcirculatory level. Semin Radiat Oncol, 8(3), 143–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1053-4296(98)80040-4
Dewhirst, M. W. “Concepts of oxygen transport at the microcirculatory level.Semin Radiat Oncol 8, no. 3 (July 1998): 143–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1053-4296(98)80040-4.
Dewhirst MW. Concepts of oxygen transport at the microcirculatory level. Semin Radiat Oncol. 1998 Jul;8(3):143–50.
Dewhirst, M. W. “Concepts of oxygen transport at the microcirculatory level.Semin Radiat Oncol, vol. 8, no. 3, July 1998, pp. 143–50. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/s1053-4296(98)80040-4.
Dewhirst MW. Concepts of oxygen transport at the microcirculatory level. Semin Radiat Oncol. 1998 Jul;8(3):143–150.
Journal cover image

Published In

Semin Radiat Oncol

DOI

ISSN

1053-4296

Publication Date

July 1998

Volume

8

Issue

3

Start / End Page

143 / 150

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Prognosis
  • Partial Pressure
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Oxygen
  • Oncology & Carcinogenesis
  • Neoplasms
  • Microcirculation
  • Humans
  • Hemorheology