The 'zombie cell' effect: New study explains chemotherapy resistance in lung and ovarian cancers
Medical Xpress
February 13, 2026
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A groundbreaking study published in *Nature Aging* reveals a biological mechanism behind chemotherapy resistance in certain cancers. Researchers have identified the "zombie cell" effect, where non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) cells adapt to platinum-based treatments like cisplatin, leading to treatment failure or tumor recurrence. This finding provides crucial insights into why these cancers become resistant over time.
Platinum-based chemotherapies, widely used for their effectiveness in treating NSCLC and HGSOC, often lose their long-term efficacy as tumors evolve. The study highlights how chemotherapy damages healthy cells, inadvertently triggering a survival response in cancerous cells. This adaptation allows the cancer to persist despite treatment, eventually leading to resistance
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/13/2026