What's Happening?
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have discovered that dormant cancer cells can evade the immune system by changing their shape. In a study using a mouse model, it was found that cancer cells become round, reducing their surface tension
and making it difficult for immune cells to attack them. This shape change is induced by Transforming Growth Factor (TGF), which leads to a full epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), resulting in a softer cell state. This transition helps the cells avoid detection and destruction by the immune system, potentially allowing them to remain dormant for extended periods before metastasizing.
Why It's Important?
Understanding how dormant cancer cells evade the immune system is crucial for developing more effective cancer treatments. This discovery highlights the role of TGF in facilitating the survival of dormant cancer cells, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing metastasis. By targeting the mechanisms that allow these cells to remain undetected, researchers hope to enhance the body's ability to eliminate dormant cancer cells, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. This research could significantly impact the development of adjuvant therapies and improve long-term outcomes for cancer patients.
