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Dr. Gary Luker’s study shows that breast cancer can lie dormant for years after treatment, especially in patients on estrogen therapy.
The study can help pave way for better cancer treatments.
Breast cancer, even after successful treatment, can sometimes remain a hidden threat, as certain cancer cells can lie dormant in the body for years before reactivating. This unsettling reality has been brought to light by a recent study conducted by Dr Gary Luker at the University of Michigan.
The research reveals the existence of “sleeper cells” — dormant cancer cells that can remain inactive for extended periods and later trigger a relapse of breast cancer. This discovery highlights the hidden danger of these cells and opens the door for developing more effective treatments aimed at preventing their reawakening. By addressing this phenomenon, medical professionals hope to reduce the risk of recurrence and improve long-term outcomes for patients.
Key Insights From The Study
The findings of the study highlight a crucial revelation — while many assume that successful cancer treatments signify the complete eradication of the disease from the body, the reality is more complex, particularly in the case of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The research shows that certain cancer cells can hide within the bone marrow, potentially remaining dormant for years or even decades before reawakening and causing a relapse.
According to a report in the Hindustan Times, Dr Gary Luker, the senior author of the study, said that cancer cells can essentially “borrow” molecules, including proteins and messenger RNA, directly from mesenchymal stem cells. He described mesenchymal stem cells as “generous neighbours” that provide the cancer cells with essential resources, which in turn make these cells more aggressive and resistant to treatment. This exchange between cancer cells and stem cells enhances the cancer’s ability to evade therapies, contributing to its persistence and potential for relapse.
What enables these cancer cells to endure?
Through extensive laboratory research, scientists have identified a crucial protein known as GIV (or Girdin) that plays a significant role in the survival of these dormant cancer cells. This protein helps the cells become resistant to estrogen-targeted treatments like Tamoxifen, allowing them to persist in the body for many years after initial treatment. Additionally, these cancer cells can obtain vital proteins from mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow by forming cellular channels, which further support their ability to remain dormant and eventually cause a relapse.
Can study help prevent breast cancer relapse?
The implications of this study extend far beyond academic interest. With further investigation, it has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by developing targeted therapies that can specifically identify and eliminate these elusive cancer cells that lie dormant in the body for years before reappearing. By addressing this hidden threat, such advancements could significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer relapse, offering patients more effective long-term solutions and greatly improving the outlook for those who have undergone initial treatments.
