Why do some breast cancer cells remain dormant?

Abstract

Dormant breast cancer cells are a reality that cannot be overlooked. They may stay dormant either after a spread of cancer cells caused by surgery or after being generated by spontaneous or induced mutations in the course of breast gland growth. Some cases are presented in support of both possibilities, followed by a critical appraisal of the factors that may either keep them dormant or later stimulate their growth into a breast cancer.

Keywords:

• Dormant cancer cells
• immunity
• angiogenesis
• genetics
• prevention
• surgery

Notes

*In view of the complexity of this review, the author (a gynecologist, not an immunologist) has decided to use the same words as the quoted authors as much as possible, in order to avoid any unintended misquotation.