Scientists map dormant breast cancer cells shielded by immune tissue

September 7, 2026 at 01:47 AM2 min

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Researchers from the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, and UCL Genetics Institute mapped breast tumors and found dormant cancer cells surrounded by protective immune and connective tissue cells. The findings, published in Genome Medicine, suggest these shielded cells may survive treatment and later reactivate. The study indicates future therapies may need to target both fast-growing and dormant cancer cells.

Key Facts

The study was published in Genome Medicine by researchers from the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, and UCL Genetics Institute.
Dormant cancer cells are often surrounded by immune and connective tissue cells that may protect them from treatment.
The researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map breast tumors.
Dr. Alexis Barr, co-lead author and head of the Cell Cycle Control group at the LMS, described quiescent cancer cells as 'very dangerous'.

Tumor Cell Mapping

Researchers from the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, and UCL Genetics Institute built a detailed cellular map of breast tumors. The map revealed separate regions filled with actively dividing cancer cells and others containing dormant cells. The team combined single-cell RNA sequencing with spatial transcriptomics to determine gene activity and cell positions. The findings were published in Genome Medicine.

Dormant Cell Microenvironment

Dormant cancer cells are often surrounded by immune and connective tissue cells that may help protect them from treatment. Dr. Alexis Barr, co-lead author and head of the Cell Cycle Control group at the LMS, stated that quiescent cancer cells can hide from chemotherapy and later reactivate to drive proliferation. Cancer cells can enter a dormant state in response to stressful conditions inside a growing tumor, such as limited blood flow and nutrients. The study suggests future therapies may need to target dormant cancer cells and their local environments to stop tumor growth and reduce relapse risk.