Enter sandman: how to tackle dormant breast cancer cells

Cancer dormancy poses a major challenge in oncology, often leading to relapse and metastasis years after initial treatment. This phenomenon is driven by the ability of dormant cancer cells to evade immune detection and resist chemotherapy. Thus, these cells remain in a quiescent state until conditions favor their reactivation. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms governing dormancy-including cellular signaling pathways, the role of the tumor microenvironment, and immune system interactions-is essential for developing effective and practical therapeutic interventions. Recent research has highlighted three primary strategies for targeting dormant breast cancer cells: the killing strategy, the sleeping strategy, and the awakening strategy. This review explores the various techniques used to detect dormant breast cancer cells and evaluates experimental therapeutic approaches aimed at either eradicating or controlling them. By synthesizing the latest advancements in cancer dormancy research, this article provides valuable insights for oncologists while remaining accessible to a broader audience.