CD24 and cancer: Pfkfb3-driven dormancy escape was demonstrated using microarray-based gene expression profiling, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting to identify upregulation of Pfkfb3 in metastatic versus dormant cells. Functional validation involved 3D organoid growth assays, cell viability after 3PO inhibition, and in vivo tail-vein metastasis models in mice. Additionally, mammosphere formation, ELDA stemness assays, and flow cytometry (CD49f/CD24 markers) confirmed Pfkfb3’s role in dormancy exit and cancer stemness.