NR2F1 agonist 1, a specific nuclear receptor NR2F1 activator, initiates dormancy programs in cancer cells by upregulating NR2F1 and its target genes controlling dormancy. This compound promotes neural crest-like features and suppresses growth in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) through NR2F1 activation. Moreover, NR2F1 agonist 1 demonstrates tumor growth inhibition in a mouse primary tumor model.