inflammation may reactivate dormant cancer cells,triggering renewed tumor growth,according to research published September 4,2025. The findings suggest that chronic inflammatory conditions could inadvertently contribute to cancer recurrence even after successful initial treatment, presenting a new challenge in long-term cancer management.
This finding has important implications for millions living with cancer or in remission.Cancer cells can enter a quiescent, or “sleeping,” state where they are resistant to conventional therapies. This research indicates that inflammation can disrupt this dormancy,awakening these cells and allowing them to proliferate. Understanding this mechanism could lead to novel therapies designed to prevent inflammation-induced cancer reactivation, improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of relapse.
Researchers found that inflammatory signals can override the molecular brakes that keep cancer cells dormant. Specifically,the study highlighted a pathway where inflammation stimulates signaling molecules within cancer cells,effectively reversing their inactive state.This process enables the cells to resume division and form new tumors. The research team believes this is particularly relevant in cancers known to have periods of dormancy, such as breast, prostate, and melanoma.
The study underscores the importance of managing chronic inflammation in cancer patients and survivors. Conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and even chronic infections could potentially increase the risk of cancer reactivation. Further research is underway to identify specific inflammatory pathways involved and to develop targeted interventions to block this process.
Citation: Inflammation jolts ‘sleeping’ cancer cells awake, enabling them to multiply again (2025, September 4) retrieved 4 september 2025 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-inflammation-jolts-cancer-cells-enabling.html
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