News: Publication IPMC/Molecular Systems Biology/ Dr. Jérémie Roux/Equipe B. Mari _G. Vassals

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The transition between different cellular states of sensitivity reveals a molecular vulnerability of cells tolerant to anticancer drugs.

Cancer cells change their state to resist treatments – how can we exploit their hidden weakness?

Cancer cells evade programmed cell death (apoptosis) by switching between drug-sensitive states. Our mathematical models show that there are not two distinct fixed states—sensitive or tolerant—but a continuum of cellular sensitivity states, independent of cell division.

We discovered that after certain treatments, tumor cells become briefly vulnerable to another form of cell death. We were able to show experimentally that treatment breaks (“drug holidays”) are not sufficient, but by alternating two types of treatment, we can exploit this temporary fragility and prevent the cells from establishing a lasting state of resistance.

https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44320-025-00150-0