Qian YR, Liu P, Xu H, Lv Y, Zhang XF, Xiang JX. Microenvironment plays a critical role in modulating tumor cell dormancy: Current perspectives and potential treatment options. World J Clin Oncol 2026; 17(2): 114298 [DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v17.i2.114298]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Jun-Xi Xiang, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 277 West Yanta Road, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China. xjx722@163.com
Research Domain of This Article
Oncology
Article-Type of This Article
Minireviews
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This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Feb 24, 2026 (publication date) through Feb 12, 2026
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Journal Information of This Article
Publication Name
World Journal of Clinical Oncology
ISSN
2218-4333
Publisher of This Article
Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
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Qian YR, Liu P, Xu H, Lv Y, Zhang XF, Xiang JX. Microenvironment plays a critical role in modulating tumor cell dormancy: Current perspectives and potential treatment options. World J Clin Oncol 2026; 17(2): 114298 [DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v17.i2.114298]
Ye-Rong Qian, Peng Liu, Hui Xu, Yi Lv, Xu-Feng Zhang, Jun-Xi Xiang, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
Co-corresponding authors: Xu-Feng Zhang and Jun-Xi Xiang.
Author contributions: Qian YR and Xiang JX conceptualized the study; Qian YR, Liu P, Xu H, Lv Y, Zhang XF, and Xiang JX prepared the original draft of the manuscript, reviewed and edited the manuscript; Zhang XF and Xiang JX supervised the study, they contributed equally to this article, they are the co-corresponding authors of this manuscript; and all authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Supported by the Shaanxi Innovation Capability Support Plan, No. 2023KJXX-030; the Shaanxi Health and Family Planning Commission Project, No. 2021E018; and the Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases-National Science and Technology Major Project of China, No. 2023ZD0502004.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Jun-Xi Xiang, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 277 West Yanta Road, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China. xjx722@163.com
Received: September 16, 2025 Revised: October 11, 2025 Accepted: January 6, 2026 Published online: February 24, 2026 Processing time: 143 Days and 18.3 Hours
Abstract
Tumor dormancy is a fundamental phenomenon in cancer biology, characterized by malignant cells that remain viable but non-proliferative, thereby frequently evading detection and treatment. This review examines the intricate role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in regulating tumor cell dormancy. The TME encompasses a diverse array of components, including immune cells, extracellular matrix proteins, and soluble factors, all of which contribute to a dynamic interplay that influences tumor cell behavior. Key mechanisms involved in the maintenance of dormancy include immune surveillance, where immune cells can either suppress or promote tumor growth, and extracellular matrix interactions that provide structural support and biochemical signals essential for quiescence. Additionally, microenvironmental conditions such as hypoxia and acidosis impose selective pressures that can favor dormant states over active proliferation. Emerging therapeutic strategies are being explored to target dormant tumor cells, including the use of mesenchymal stem cell therapies, which may modulate the TME to either awaken dormant cells for targeted treatment or maintain their quiescent state to prevent recurrence. Understanding the TME’s influence on tumor dormancy not only enhances our comprehension of cancer progression but also opens avenues for innovative treatments aimed at improving patient outcomes by mitigating the risks of recurrence and metastasis. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on TME-mediated tumor dormancy and highlight promising therapeutic strategies for future research.
Core Tip: This article explores the critical role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in regulating tumor dormancy, a state in which malignant cells remain viable but non-proliferative, contributing to metastasis and recurrence. We highlight the dynamic interactions within the TME, including immune cell modulation, extracellular matrix components, and metabolic factors, that maintain dormancy. The article discusses promising therapeutic strategies targeting the TME to either awaken dormant cells for treatment or maintain their quiescence, aiming to improve cancer treatment outcomes and prevent recurrence.
