©The Author(s) 2026. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Clin Oncol. Feb 24, 2026; 17(2): 114298
Published online Feb 24, 2026. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v17.i2.114298
Published online Feb 24, 2026. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v17.i2.114298
Microenvironment plays a critical role in modulating tumor cell dormancy: Current perspectives and potential treatment options
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
Revised: October 11, 2025
Accepted: January 6, 2026
Published online: February 24, 2026
Processing time: 143 Days and 18.3 Hours
Core Tip
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.