Do lymphoma cancer cells go dormant like other cancers?
Community Member
a month agoI have B-cell lymphoma and I'm currently taking Lenalidomide. I just read an interesting article about how some cancer cells can go "dormant" - essentially hiding in the body even after treatment. While the article focused mainly on solid tumors like breast cancer, it got me thinking about whether this might apply to blood cancers like lymphoma too. It made me realize why ongoing treatment and monitoring stay so important, even when things seem to be going well. The idea that some cancer cells might be able to "hide" and potentially reawaken later really puts the long-term nature of cancer care into perspective. I'd love to hear from others with lymphoma about your experiences: • How do you think about the long-term nature of lymphoma treatment and monitoring? • What has your care team told you about why ongoing treatment matters even when you're responding well? Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-04149-3
Accepted Answer
Research shows that dormancy can occur in blood cancers including lymphoma, where cancer cells may remain inactive in the body for extended periods. This helps explain why long-term monitoring and maintenance treatments are such important parts of lymphoma care - they help keep any remaining cells in check and catch changes early. Many patients find it helpful to discuss these concepts with their care teams to better understand their individual treatment plans and what to expect during follow-up visits.
3+ patients found this helpful
Community Member
a month agoResearch shows that dormancy can occur in blood cancers including lymphoma, where cancer cells may remain inactive in the body for extended periods. This helps explain why long-term monitoring and maintenance treatments are such important parts of lymphoma care - they help keep any remaining cells in check and catch changes early. Many patients find it helpful to discuss these concepts with their care teams to better understand their individual treatment plans and what to expect during follow-up visits.
Community Member
a month agoI am also taking Lenalidomide for my non Hodgkin lymphoma along with infusions. This is the second time I’ve had treatment. The first time was 11 years ago. My doctor told me she can never say I am cured only that I am in remission. Good luck with your treatment.
Community Member
a month agoI've got B cell and I've gone thru four diagnoses and remissions. Hopefully it's gone now, but we'll keep checking!
Community Member
21 days agoHi, Bruce, how long between diagnoses, if you don’t mind my asking? Did you notice a return of symptoms or was it a blood test that tipped the doctors off? Were the treatments the same every time? Thanks for your input!
Community Member
7 days agoYou have to pay to read the article? That sucks.
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