Hypoxia Responsive Vectors Targeting Astrocytes in Glioma

Gliomas are the most common brain tumor in the central nervous system (CNS). The majority of malignant gliomas arise from neoplastic transformation of resident astrocytes. Gliomas are very aggressive tumors since they are characterized by widespread invasion of brain tissue. The exact pathogenesis and underlying mechanisms for glioma cell infiltration are currently unclear. Cell-cell interaction and tissue microenvironment play an important role in tumor progression leading to modification and infiltration of surrounding tissue. The hypoxic microenvironment contributes to abnormal neovascularization of the glioma.