RelB drives integrin-mediated stress tolerance and relapse in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

cells have higher tumor-initiating capacity and comprise over 90% of cells from relapsed tumors. Cells expressing RelB and αVβ3 preferentially grow on mesentery at relapse. Targeting this pathway, combined RelB knockdown and inhibition of αVβ3 eliminated stress-tolerant CSCs, reduced tumor burden, and extended survival. These findings highlight integrins as promising therapeutic targets and reveal distinct roles for NF-κB subunits in regulating metastasis and relapse in HGSOC.