Researchers at MD Anderson reported that tumor‑infiltrating Fusobacterium nucleatum can induce a reversible quiescent state in cancer epithelial cells, impairing immune detection and reducing chemotherapy efficacy. Spatial analysis in preclinical models and patient tumor cohorts linked high Fusobacterium burden to lower expression of immune‑recognition genes and poorer treatment responses in colorectal and oral cancers, according to a Cancer Cell paper and institutional release. Authors led by Susan Bullman describe a mechanism whereby bacteria settle between tumor cells, disrupt epithelial communication and push cells into a low‑transcription, non‑proliferative state that resists cytotoxic agents. The team validated findings using spatial transcriptomics and in vivo models, and they propose that microbial context should be integrated into therapeutic strategies and biomarker development. The work spotlights tumor microbiome as a modifiable layer of tumor biology; companies and clinical teams may now evaluate antimicrobial, microbiome‑modulating or microbe‑aware combination strategies. Quiescence here refers to a non‑dividing cell state that renders many standard chemotherapies less effective.