Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition as a central driver of tumor cell plasticity

A comprehensive review published in Nature Cancer by Jimenez-Castaño and Nieto examines the latest understanding of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a central mechanism driving tumor cell plasticity. The authors highlight how cancer cells exploit various EMT states to promote tumor progression, enable metastatic dissemination, and modulate responses to therapy. The review synthesizes recent findings on the spectrum of intermediate EMT states, moving beyond the traditional binary view of the process. This work provides an important conceptual framework for researchers developing strategies to target EMT-driven drug resistance and metastasis across multiple cancer types.