Scientists uncover the hidden survival trick that lets cancer bounce back

Scientists discovered that certain cancer cells use a low-level activation of a DNA-dismantling enzyme—normally seen in cell death—to survive treatment. Instead of dying, these “persister cells” leverage this sublethal signal to regrow. Because the mechanism is non-genetic, it appears much earlier than typical resistance mutations. Targeting this enzyme could help stop tumors from returning.

source https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251210092022.htm