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Updated: Jun 20, 2025
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 senescent tumor cells in cancer relapse
Ke-Xin Song1,2, Jun-Xian Wang1,2, De Huang1,3,2
1Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
Abstract:
Cellular senescence is characterized by a generally irreversible cell cycle arrest and the secretion of bioactive factors known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). In an oncogenic context, senescence is considered a tumor suppressive mechanism as it prevents cell proliferation and inhibits the progression from pre-malignant to malignant disease. However, recent studies have demonstrated that senescent tumor cells, which could spontaneously exist within cancer tissues or arise in response to various cancer interventions (the so-called therapy-induced senescence, TIS), can acquire pro-tumorigenic properties and are capable of driving local and metastatic relapse. This highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of cellular senescence in cancer biology. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the pathological function of therapy-induced senescent tumor cells and discuss possible mechanisms by which tumor cell senescence contributes to cancer relapse. We also discuss implications for future studies toward targeting these less appreciated cells.
Insights
Cellular senescence, a cell cycle arrest, can suppress tumors but therapy-induced senescence in tumor cells may promote cancer relapse. Targeting these senescent cells is crucial for future cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Cellular senescence involves irreversible cell cycle arrest and the secretion of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors.
- Senescence typically acts as a tumor suppressive mechanism by preventing cancer cell proliferation.
- Therapy-induced senescence (TIS) in tumor cells can paradoxically promote cancer progression and relapse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the pathological role of TIS in cancer.
- To discuss mechanisms by which TIS drives cancer relapse.
- To highlight implications for targeting senescent tumor cells.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current knowledge on TIS.
- Analysis of mechanisms linking TIS to pro-tumorigenic properties.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting senescent cells.
Main Results:
- TIS can endow tumor cells with pro-tumorigenic capabilities.
- Senescent tumor cells can drive local and metastatic cancer relapse.
- The role of senescence in cancer is complex and context-dependent.
Conclusions:
- TIS represents a significant challenge in cancer treatment, potentially driving relapse.
- Understanding the pro-tumorigenic functions of TIS is critical for developing effective cancer therapies.
- Targeting senescent tumor cells offers a promising avenue for future cancer research and treatment strategies.
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