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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Simultaneous Imaging and Flow-Cytometry-based Detection of Multiple Fluorescent Senescence Markers in Therapy-Induced Senescent Cancer Cells
08:56

Simultaneous Imaging and Flow-Cytometry-based Detection of Multiple Fluorescent Senescence Markers in Therapy-Induced Senescent Cancer Cells

Published on: July 12, 2022

Therapy-induced senescence in cancer

Jonathan A Ewald1, Joshua A Desotelle, George Wilding

  • 1Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705-2275, USA.

Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|September 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Therapy-induced senescence (TIS) offers a promising cancer treatment strategy by causing cancer cells to stop dividing. This approach may reduce side effects and enhance anti-tumor immunity, though more research is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Cellular senescence is a stable cell cycle arrest triggered by stress, characterized by specific molecular and morphological changes.
  • Senescence markers are detectable in tumors, and senescence can be induced in cancer cells lacking key tumor suppressors like p53 and retinoblastoma protein.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of therapy-induced senescence (TIS) as a cancer treatment strategy.
  • To highlight the mechanisms, agents, and biomarkers associated with TIS.
  • To identify challenges and encourage further development of TIS in clinical oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on cellular senescence and TIS.
  • Analysis of TIS induction by anticancer compounds and radiation.
  • Examination of TIS-related mechanisms, agents, and biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • TIS can be induced in cancer cells, potentially leading to reduced toxicity and enhanced anti-tumor immune responses.
  • Current research indicates TIS as a novel functional target for improving cancer therapy outcomes.
  • Challenges remain, including the need for more effective senescence-inducing agents and comprehensive data on tumor response.

Conclusions:

  • Therapy-induced senescence (TIS) presents a promising avenue for cancer treatment with potential for reduced side effects and improved immune engagement.
  • Further research into novel senescence-inducing compounds and targeted approaches is crucial for advancing TIS in clinical practice.
  • Overcoming current hurdles will facilitate the broader application of TIS in cancer therapy.

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