Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targeting of metastatic tumor dormancy in colorectal cancer: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Metastatic tumor dormancy represents a key factor in CRC progression and treatment resistance. This systematic review aims to investigate the molecular regulatory mechanisms of metastatic tumor dormancy in CRC and critically evaluate therapeutic intervention strategies. Our analysis comprehensively examines the cellular and molecular biology of tumor dormancy, encompassing cell cycle regulation, key signal transduction pathways, and dynamic tumor cell-microenvironment interactions. Furthermore, we systematically evaluated therapeutic interventions targeting these mechanisms, such as targeted drugs, immunotherapy, microenvironmental therapy, and combinational therapies. This review provide new perspectives for understanding and targeting metastatic tumor dormancy in colorectal cancer, thereby establishing a rationale for enhancing patient prognosis and guiding the development of innovative anti-tumor strategies.