Understanding why some cancer cells resist treatment remains one of the major challenges in oncology. At the Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), research teams are focusing on the biological mechanisms that allow certain breast cancer cells to survive therapies, leading to relapse and metastasis.

While therapeutic advances have significantly improved patient outcomes, a subset of tumor cells can evade treatment. These highly aggressive cells are able to persist, re-emerge over time, and drive disease recurrence, sometimes years after the initial diagnosis.

The goal of CRCM researchers is to better identify these resistant cells, understand how they function, and develop therapeutic strategies that specifically target them before they can cause relapse.

Strong support from the Ligue contre le cancer

To support this work, the Ligue contre le cancer has awarded €130,000 to fund research projects dedicated to understanding treatment resistance in breast cancer. This funding will help accelerate the identification of new therapeutic targets and support strategies aimed at preventing the emergence of the most aggressive cancer forms.

Each year, the Ligue contre le cancer invests nearly €40 million in cancer research across France, while also playing a key role in supporting patients and their families through care, assistance, and social support programs.

Anticipating resistance to improve long-term outcomes

Breast cancer affects nearly 60,000 women every year in France. Despite major progress in diagnosis and treatment, 15–20% of breast cancers relapse within ten years of the initial diagnosis. Addressing treatment resistance is therefore a critical step toward improving long-term survival and quality of life for patients.

By studying the earliest mechanisms that allow cancer cells to escape therapy, CRCM researchers aim to stay one step ahead of the disease, paving the way for more effective and durable treatments. In the long term, these efforts could lead to therapies capable of permanently preventing cancer cells from developing resistance.

📺 A France 3 television report highlights this research and the commitment of the Ligue contre le cancer to supporting scientific innovation.
👉 Replay available until January 19, 2026 (segment starting at 2:00).