Recent research from Israeli scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science has shed light on how breast cancer cells can lie dormant for years before springing back to life. In a study published in Science Signaling, researchers revealed that these stealthy cells, which mimic a "sleep mode" by imitating natural processes in healthy breast tissue, can escape detection.
The team focused on boosting levels of a protein called OVOL in triple-negative breast cancer cells. OVOL helps cells mature, effectively slowing tumor growth in mice by nudging the cancer cells into dormancy.
However, there’s a twist: when OVOL levels drop—often due to hormonal changes like lower estrogen—the cancer may reawaken, more aggressive and harder to treat. The study also found that dormant cells accumulate unstable molecules called free radicals, which damage DNA and could trigger a dangerous comeback.
This breakthrough opens a promising path toward treatments that might prevent cancer recurrence even years after remission. It’s an exciting development in the fight against cancer, showing that understanding dormancy could lead to smarter therapies. Stay tuned for more updates! 😊
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
