tumor dormancy
State where cancer cells remain viable but nonproliferative for extended periods before resuming growth.
Full Definition
Tumor dormancy describes a biological state where cancer cells remain metabolically active but cease proliferation for months to years before potentially resuming growth. This phenomenon explains late cancer recurrences and metastases that appear years or decades after apparently successful treatment. Dormancy can occur at the cellular level (individual cells in growth arrest) or at the tumor mass level (balance between proliferation and cell death). Understanding dormancy mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies to prevent late recurrences and may explain why some micrometastases never progress to clinically apparent disease.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from treatment response or stable disease on imaging.
In Context
- "The concept of tumor dormancy helps explain the patient's late recurrence fifteen years after initial treatment." — Research discussion
- "Targeting dormant cancer cells represents a promising avenue for preventing late metastases." — Translational research proposal