An immunohistochemical assessment of hypoxia in prostate carcinoma using pimonidazole: Implications for radioresistance

Conclusion: Prostate carcinoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia have significant areas of hypoxia; greater hypoxia scores are seen with more aggressive prostate cancer. It is postulated that a hypoxic microenvironment within the prostate might be responsible for the promotion of secondary genetic alterations and angiogenic stimulation, leading to malignant progression, a more aggressive cell phenotype, and greater radioresistance. Modification of radiation regimens to specifically target hypoxia might improve local tumor control.