Scientists have discovered that dormant breast cancer cells can be “switched on” by exposure to a common virus. This groundbreaking finding sheds light on a potential trigger behind the reactivation of cancer cells that have remained inactive for years.
Breast cancer can sometimes return even after successful treatment because some cancer cells enter a dormant state and evade therapy. The new study identifies a viral connection that may stimulate these cells to become active again, leading to cancer recurrence.
Understanding this virus-cancer cell interaction offers promising avenues for developing strategies to prevent breast cancer relapse. By targeting the viral factors involved in awakening dormant cells, researchers hope to improve long-term outcomes for breast cancer survivors.