Hypoxia and anaemia in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma – mechanisms of therapy failure and provision of new therapeutic targets

? Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents the sixth most common tumour worldwide. ? Tumour hypoxia and anaemia are both independent prognostic indicators of disease free and overall survival in solid tumours, including HNSCC. ? Hypoxia promotes tumour progression through the hypoxia inducible factor 1 pathway (HIF‐1), upregulating factors that control angiogenesis, glycoloysis, pH regulation, erythropoiesis and apoptosis. ? Oxygen delivery to tumours is influenced by the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, and therefore anaemia may promote tumour hypoxia. ? Targeting the HIF‐1 pathway and anaemia represent potential therapeutic targets in HNSCC and other solid tumours.