Detecting "sleeper cells": drug-tolerant cells (without a coloured nucleus) can be distinguished from active, dividing tumour cells (red or green nuclei) using new markers. Picture: Courtesy
Media releases, information for representatives of the media Media Relations (E) In many metastasised types of cancer, disseminated tumours grow back despite successful chemotherapy. As a research team under the direction of the University of Bern has now discovered, this is because of isolated cancer cells that survive the chemotherapy due to a phase of dormancy. If these "sleeper cells" possess specific defects, however, they can be destroyed. This could increase the efficacy of chemotherapy for certain patients. Many people have experienced this among their family, friends or acquaintances: at first, the chemotherapy is extremely effective in cancer patients, although the tumour has metastasised, i.e. it has settled in remote tissue. In some cases the cancer even seems to have been eradicated. But then comes the disillusioning news: a few cancer cells have survived and are multiplying again.
TO READ THIS ARTICLE, CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
And extend your reading, free of charge and with no commitment.
