Radiotherapy, EMP and dormancy in TME: An integrated perspective on tumor microenvironments and long-term relapse

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Radiotherapy Research

Background:

• Radiotherapy (RT) is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, but local and distant recurrences persist.
• Dormant tumor cells, often quiescent, are implicated in post-RT relapse and metastasis.
• Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a key process enabling tumor cell dormancy and subsequent reawakening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular interplay between radiotherapy, EMP, and metastatic dormancy.
• To explore how RT influences metastasis and the dormant state of cancer cells.
• To propose therapeutic strategies targeting RT-induced metastasis and long-term relapse.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current research findings.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms linking RT, EMP, and dormancy.
• Discussion of potential therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

• Radiotherapy may modulate metastatic processes and induce or maintain tumor cell dormancy.
• EMP is a critical mechanism for disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) to achieve and maintain dormancy after RT.
• A complex relationship exists between RT, EMP, and the establishment of metastatic dormancy.

Conclusions:

• Targeting EMP and dormancy pathways could be crucial for preventing RT-mediated metastasis.
• Developing strategies to block RT-induced dormancy and reawakening is essential for improving long-term patient outcomes.
• Further research into the molecular links between RT, EMP, and dormancy may yield novel therapeutic approaches to prevent cancer recurrence.