Researchers at MD Anderson described a mechanism by which tumor‑infiltrating bacteria, notably Fusobacterium nucleatum, induce quiescence in epithelial cancer cells, enabling immune evasion and chemotherapy resistance. Spatial analysis in patient samples and preclinical models showed bacteria accumulate between tumor cells, disrupt epithelial signaling and lower transcriptional activity, producing reversible cell‑cycle arrest. Authors suggested these microbe‑tumor interactions constitute a previously underappreciated layer of tumor biology that could be targeted to improve responses to immunotherapy and cytotoxic agents.