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Updated: Feb 26, 2026
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Evaluating the Effect of SASP Factors on the Proliferation of Cancer Cells Using a Comparative Analysis of Three Distinct Methodologies
Published on: September 19, 2025
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SASP: Tumor Suppressor or Promoter? Yes!
Sonia G Rao1, James G Jackson1
1Tulane School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1430 Tulane Avenue #8543, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Trends in Cancer
|July 26, 2017
Summary
Cellular senescence, a permanent cell arrest, triggers a complex response. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) can suppress tumors or promote cancer growth and relapse, impacting treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Cancer research
- Immunology
Background:
- Cellular senescence is a state of irreversible growth arrest triggered by cellular damage or stress.
- Tumor cells can enter senescence in response to chemotherapy.
- Senescent cells release factors known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the dual role of SASP in tumorigenesis and cancer treatment.
- To explore how SASP can be both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting.
- To analyze the complex and often conflicting evidence regarding SASP's impact on cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating cellular senescence and SASP.
- Analysis of research on SASP's effects in tumor suppression and chemotherapy response.
- Synthesis of findings on the protumorigenic and immunosuppressive functions of SASP.
Main Results:
- SASP can enforce cell cycle arrest and recruit immune cells for tumor suppression.
- Conversely, SASP can also mediate immunosuppression and promote tumor growth via paracrine signaling.
- In treated cancers, SASP can contribute to treatment response or drive tumor relapse.
Conclusions:
- The role of SASP in cancer is complex and context-dependent.
- SASP exhibits both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting activities.
- Understanding SASP's multifaceted functions is crucial for optimizing cancer therapy.
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