Drug-tolerant persister cells in lymphoid malignancies: from mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities - Report - MDSpire

Drug-tolerant persister cells in lymphoid malignancies: from mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities

  • By

  • Meng Li

  • Suping Tang

  • Peng Yang

  • Hao Zhou

  • July 15, 2026

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Clinical Report: Drug-Resistant Persister Cells in Lymphoid Cancers

Background

Lymphoid malignancies pose significant treatment challenges due to the high rates of therapy resistance and relapse. The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis has traditionally explained some aspects of this resistance, but recent research emphasizes the role of DTP cells as a critical factor in treatment failure.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • DTP cells arise in response to chemotherapy and adopt a quiescent state to survive drug exposure.
  • These cells are linked to minimal residual disease (MRD) and can regain proliferative capacity after drug withdrawal.
  • DTEP cells may evolve from DTP cells through genomic alterations, stabilizing resistance.
  • Resistance mechanisms in DTP cells are primarily driven by non-genetic adaptations.
  • Potential therapeutic strategies include targeting glycosylation-related pathways and exploiting immunotherapeutic glycopeptide targets.

Clinical Implications

A deeper understanding of DTP cells may inform the development of treatment strategies aimed at overcoming therapy resistance in lymphoid malignancies.

Conclusion

The exploration of DTP cells in lymphoid cancers provides insights into therapy resistance mechanisms.

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  12. Frontiers | Resistance mechanisms and overcoming strategies for CAR T-cell therapy in B-cell hematologic malignancies
  13. 2025 British Society for Haematology Guideline for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
  14. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: B-Cell Lymphomas 3.2025 - PubMed
  15. Lymphomas: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up - PubMed
  16. Phase III Trial of Pirtobrutinib Versus Idelalisib/Rituximab or Bendamustine/Rituximab in Covalent Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor–Pretreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (BRUIN CLL-321) | Journal of Clinical Oncology
  17. An indirect comparison of pirtobrutinib with second-generation covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors in BTKi naive, and relapsed-refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia: results of a network meta-analysis - PubMed
  18. A Meta-analysis Investigating Response Rates with Continuous Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Monotherapies in the Treatment of B Cell Lymphomas | Oncology and Therapy | Springer Nature Link
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