06/23/2026
Approximately 90% of cancer-related deaths are attributed to treatment resistance, a complex process driven by cancer cell evolution. Under the stress of therapy, some cells acquire genetic changes that allow them to grow, thrive, and evade drugs.
David Gewirtz, a pharmacologist and cancer researcher at Massey, is studying this relentless process. Much of his research focuses on senescent cancer cells, cells that stop dividing but "hide" in the body after treatment. While once considered permanently dormant, evidence suggests these cells can reawaken and grow again, contributing to resistance.
Read the full feature in Cancer Today to learn more about this cutting edge research:
As treatments improve outcomes for people with cancer, researchers seek to anticipate and prevent drug resistance to keep the disease at bay.
