The Fate of Cancer Cells Post-Treatment: A Closer Look
After cancer cells are killed by treatments such as chemotherapy, immune cells called phagocytes engulf and break down the dead cells into smaller components that can be reused by other cells. However, dying cancer cells can sometimes release debris that sparks inflammation and stimulates the growth of surviving cancer cells, potentially leading to cancer relapse. Research is still ongoing to understand the full implications of dying cancer cell signaling and develop more effective treatments. Studies have suggested that molecules derived from omega 3, called resolvins, can help reduce inflammation and clear cell debris, while blocking the signals transmitted by dying cancer cells could prevent cancer from re-emerging after treatment.