Protocol to study metastatic dormancy using 4T07-mCherry breast cancer cells and an algorithm-based quantification of disseminated cancer cells.

Dormant disseminated cancer cells are responsible for late relapses of breast cancer. Here, we present a protocol to orthotopically inject 4T07-mCherry breast cancer cells into mice and describe how to resect the primary tumor. We detail steps for collecting and processing the lungs to detect and quantify cancer cells using an algorithm-based approach. This protocol allows studying the induction, maintenance, and awakening from metastatic dormancy. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Pereira et al.1.