Key Takeaways

Dormant cancer cells can linger and cause cancer to return years later

A new clinical trial identified and targeted these cells in high-risk breast cancer survivors

The small trial showed a significantly lower-than-expected recurrence rate, offering new hope for prevention

FRIDAY, Oct. 24, 2025 (HealthDay News) — University of Pennsylvania researchers are charting a revolutionary course in cancer treatment, targeting hidden "sleeper cells" that cause breast cancer to return and spread years after the original tumor is removed.

The team, led by oncologist Dr. Angela DeMichele, has advanced a method to identify and attack these dormant cells. Called disseminated tumor cells or DTCs, they break away from the main tumor and lie undetected in areas such as the bone marrow.

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