Molecular Alterations Associated with Osteosarcoma Development

Figure 2

Tumor metastasis dormancy is associated with the risk of recurrence of OS and late development of lung metastases. Tumor dormancy is thought to consist of tumor mass dormancy (dormant micrometastases) and cellular dormancy. In tumor mass dormancy (dormant micrometastases), tumor cells generally divide but not in cellular dormancy. The tumor growth is strictly limited by the lack of blood supply or immune system. Dormant state of micrometastases is involved in angiogenic switch and/or the adaptive immune system. Dormancy therapy could contribute to improve the treatment of patients with cancer.