Tumor Dormancy
State where cancer cells remain viable but non-proliferative for extended periods, potentially contributing to late recurrences.
Full Definition
Tumor dormancy describes a clinical state where cancer cells persist in a quiescent, non-proliferative condition that can last months to decades before potentially reactivating. This phenomenon may explain late recurrences of certain cancers, particularly breast cancer, where patients can develop metastases many years after initial treatment. Dormancy can occur at the cellular level (individual cells entering quiescence) or at the population level (where proliferation is balanced by cell death). Understanding dormancy mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies to either maintain dormant states indefinitely or eliminate dormant cells before they can cause recurrence. Research focuses on microenvironmental factors, immune surveillance, and intrinsic cellular programs that regulate this state.
In Context
- "The patient's late recurrence 15 years post-mastectomy likely represents reactivation from tumor dormancy." — Clinical case discussion
- "Experimental models of tumor dormancy help identify factors that maintain or disrupt quiescent cancer cell states." — Research methodology