Tumour dormancy in breast cancer: an update.
Delayed recurrences, common in breast cancer, are well explained by the concept of tumour dormancy. Numerous publications describe clinical times to disease recurrence or death, using mathematical approaches to infer mechanisms responsible for delayed recurrences. However, most of the clinical literature discussing tumour dormancy uses data from over a half century ago and much has since changed. This review explores how current breast cancer treatment could change our understanding of the biology of breast cancer tumour dormancy, and summarizes relevant experimental models to date. Current knowledge gaps are highlighted and potential areas of future research are identified.
Brackstone
Muriel
M
London Regional Cancer Program, London, Ontario, N6A 4L6 Canada. muriel.brackstone@Lhsc.on.ca
Townson
Jason L
JL
Chambers
Ann F
AF
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual / Q000473:pathology; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors
D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D005472:Fluorouracil; D008727:Methotrexate