Omega-3 fatty acids can improve radioresponse modifying tumor interstitial pressure, blood rheology and membrane peroxidability

Several studies provide evidence that hypoxic cells present in animal and human solid tumors, may be critical for the successful treatment of cancer. In particular hypoxic cells are resistant to ionizing radiation, photodynamic treatment and the large majority of chemotherapeutic drugs. Hypoxia is generally due to the inadequacy of vascular beds supporting the tumor and to an abnormal microcirculation. Three parameters, tumor interstitial fluid, hemorheological factors and lipoperoxidation, are considered and tentatively associated as playing a role in hypoxic cell treatment. Omega three fatty acids modify these factors and are discussed for their possible ability to enhance tumor cells susceptibility to radiotherapy.