Understanding the tumor microenvironment, and its effect on tumor metabolism, progression and therapy

Guest Presenters:

Robert J <span>Gillies</span>, PhD

Robert J Gillies, PhD
Moffitt Cancer Center

Jonathan Wojtkowiak, PhD

Jonathan Wojtkowiak, PhD
Moffitt Cancer Center

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Originally presented June 19, 2012

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Webinar Abstract:

Increased metabolism and poor perfusion in solid tumors creates a physical microenvironment that consists of either hypoxic and/or acidic regions. Hypoxia and acidosis are known to drive changes in tumor cell metabolism and promote progression.

The Moffitt Cancer Center has been investigating various approaches to target these microenvironmental phenotypes for improved therapy, including novel methods to neutralize tumor acidity via ingested buffer treatment, and modulation of mitochondrial respiration to increase therapeutic efficacy of hypoxia-activated pro-drugs.

The Seahorse XF Analyzer has been a key element in our understanding of the metabolic mechanisms underlying these approaches, and has helped to determine the mitochondrial and glycolytic profile of cancer cell lines in-vitro, to inform models of their behavior in-vivo.

In this webinar we will discuss:

  • The mechanisms underlying tumor hypoxia and acidity, and how extracellular acidosis contributes to tumor invasion
  • How tumor hypoxia and acidosis contribute to drug resistance, and how buffering extracellular acidosis delays tumor progression and metastatic fitness
  • How manipulating mitochondrial oxygen consumption can increase the efficacy of hypoxia activated pro-drugs

Research Area(s):

  • Cancer