Cancer dormancy: Time to explore its clinical relevance

Abstract

Dormant disseminated cancer cells, arrested and nonproliferating, are " good" cancer cells because there is no need to worry unless they resume growth. The mechanisms by which dormant disseminated cancer cells are put to sleep at distant sites and re-awakened are poorly understood. Moreover, it is not clear whether re-awakened cancer cells have a role in disease courses. Cyrus Ghajar and colleagues identified a mechanism of dormancy and growth resumption that might become important when more closely linked to clinical reality. © 2013 BioMed Central Ltd.