Define the observed state
Cellular dormancy and a balance between proliferation and death across a group of cells are related but different hypotheses. A study must explain how it distinguishes undetectable cells, low activity and stable lesion size. The scale and duration of observation matter.
Examine the experimental model
A breast cancer study investigated niches around blood vessels in experimental models and their relationship with dormancy. Such work tests cellular interactions under controlled conditions; it does not demonstrate that the same mechanism explains every human recurrence.
Connect mechanisms and follow-up
Ask which measures track persistent cells, how the environment is modified and whether the hypothesis has been tested in human samples. Linking a mechanism to recurrence requires follow-up and a defined event; a temporary absence of progression does not prove that every tumour cell has been eradicated.
Interpretation limits
This text does not describe a test that predicts when an individual tumour will resume growing.
Experimental dormancy and residual disease detected by an assay are not synonymous.
Original references
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Research questions
Select tools by method, population and purpose. A thematic connection does not validate use in every case.
Educational content for framing research. Consult the original document, study population and methodology before interpreting a conclusion. Methodology