Role of hypoxia­inducible factor­2α in lung cancer (Review).

ABSTRACT

Hypoxia is a common phenomenon during tumorigenesis and tumour development. In recent years, studies have found that hypoxia­inducible factor (HIF)­2α, also referred to as endothelial PAS domain protein­1, plays an important role in tumours. HIF­2α is an important oncogene and a critical prognostic indicator in non­small cell lung cancer. However, no unified conclusion can be drawn concerning HIF­2α and small cell lung cancer, since few studies to date have focused on their association. An increasing number of studies have confirmed that HIF­2α is involved in tumorigenesis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, drug resistance and radiotherapy failure in lung cancer. Of note, HIF­2α plays a crucial role in lung cancer to maintain cancer cell stemness. Based on the importance of HIF­2α in lung cancer, HIF­2α­targeted therapy has been attracting increasing attention. Although this strategy currently appears to be promising in vitro, it has never been assessed as a therapy for lung cancer. The aim of the present review was to summarize the contribution of HIF­2α to various aspects of lung cancer, as well as its potential as targeted therapy.