Inflammation can reactivate 'sleeping' cancer cells hidden in the bone
Researchers have developed a new model to study how dormant breast cancer cells in bone marrow are reactivated by inflammation. This breakthrough helps scientists understand the mechanisms behind cancer metastasis and potential relapse.
Why it matters
Understanding the 'waking up' process of dormant cancer cells is critical for developing therapies that prevent metastatic relapse in patients.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source A nest of dormant cancer cells in the bone, in magenta. Bone marrow cells are in blue and blood vessels in green. Credit: Tatiana Rizou, as in Cell Reports (2026). The spread of cancer from a primary tumor to another place in the body, called metastasis, remains one of the greatest challenges in cancer treatment and is responsible for most cancer-related deaths.
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