Cancer Cell Dormancy and Chemotherapy Resistance
Jingxian Hu1, Wei Zhou2, Ying Zhao1
1Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
Journal of Cancer
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Cancer cell dormancy, induced by chemotherapy, leads to drug resistance but can be reversible. Understanding dormancy and awakening mechanisms is key to improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer cell dormancy is a state linked to tumor recurrence and metastasis.
- Chemotherapy often induces cancer cell dormancy as a resistance mechanism.
- Dormant cells exhibit resistance to anticancer drugs but are not immediately harmful.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of cancer cell dormancy and awakening under chemotherapy.
- To identify strategies for optimizing chemotherapy based on dormancy research.
- To explore novel therapeutic interests for improving patient prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing studies on cancer cell dormancy and chemotherapy response.
- Identification of adaptive mechanisms conferring drug resistance in dormant cells.
- Examination of factors modulating dormancy-awakening transitions.
Main Results:
- Chemotherapy-induced dormancy involves tumor microenvironment remodeling and altered signaling.
- Adaptive mechanisms include unfolded protein response, metabolic reprogramming, and autophagy.
- Dormancy reversibility is influenced by treatment parameters and patient-specific factors.
Conclusions:
- Direct elimination or permanent dormancy of cancer cells predicts better outcomes.
- Further research into dormancy and awakening is crucial for effective cancer therapy.
- Optimizing chemotherapy strategies requires a deeper understanding of these cellular states.
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