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Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Evaluating the Effect of SASP Factors on the Proliferation of Cancer Cells Using a Comparative Analysis of Three Distinct Methodologies
08:57

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

634

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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Keywords:
SASPchemotherapy responseimmune responsep53senescencetumor suppression

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