Scientists discover how breast cancer cells become dormant and evade treatment

Research uncovers how to target ‘sleeping’ breast cancer cells and prevent relapse (Rui Vieira/PA)

Scientists have discovered how breast cancer cells can evade treatment by “hibernating” and then “wake up” years later – causing a relapse that is more difficult to treat.

Researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research in London have uncovered the mechanism by which the hormone treatment used to prevent breast cancer from returning triggers changes in some cancer cells, causing them to “hibernate” instead of dying off.