Solitary cancer cells as a possible source of tumour dormancy

摘要: Metastasis can occur many years after primary tumour treatment. However, the status of during this period dormancy is poorly understood. As part our ongoing experimental studies on mechanisms metastasis, we have discovered that large numbers disseminated single cells may persist in secondary sites for extended time periods. Identification these was facilitated by vivo techniques developed to quantify fate individual metastatic process. Here review and findings. We also discuss potential clinical implications if dormant solitary exist appreciable cancer patients.