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Updated: May 24, 2025
Simultaneous Imaging and Flow-Cytometry-based Detection of Multiple Fluorescent Senescence Markers in Therapy-Induced Senescent Cancer Cells
Published on: July 12, 2022
A Critical Appraisal of the Utility of Targeting Therapy-Induced Senescence for Cancer Treatment
Tareq Saleh1,2, Edward F Greenberg3, Anthony C Faber4,5,6
1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain.
Abstract:
Cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy are rarely successful in eliminating the entire tumor population, often leaving behind a subpopulation of senescent cells that can contribute to disease recurrence. These senescent tumor cells also secrete various chemokines and cytokines that may be tumor promoting and immunosuppressive. Recognition of the deleterious impact of therapy-induced senescence has led to the preclinical development of senolytic compounds that eliminate senescent cells, representing a potential strategy to enhance the efficacy of conventional and targeted anticancer therapy. However, it remains uncertain whether this strategy can or will be translated to the clinic. This review provides a summary of the recent preclinical literature supporting the use of senolytics as an adjunct for cancer treatment, discusses the limitations associated with their use in the current preclinical models, and provides perspectives on the clinical development of senolytics in cancer treatment regimens. Overall, preclinical studies support the potential of senolytics to enhance efficacy and prolong the antitumor activity of current standard-of-care cancer therapies that promote senescence. However, further work is needed to develop optimal senolytic agents with the appropriate combination of properties for clinical testing, specifically, activity in the context of therapy-induced senescence with acceptable tolerability.
Insights
Senolytic compounds eliminate senescent cells, potentially improving cancer therapy. Preclinical studies show promise, but further research is needed for clinical translation and safe, effective senolytic agents.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy often leave behind senescent tumor cells.
- These senescent cells can promote tumor growth and suppress the immune system, potentially leading to recurrence.
- Senolytics, which clear senescent cells, are being investigated to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical literature on senolytics as an adjunct cancer therapy.
- To discuss limitations of current preclinical models for senolytic research.
- To provide perspectives on the clinical development of senolytics in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent preclinical studies on senolytic compounds in cancer treatment.
- Analysis of the role of therapy-induced senescence in cancer recurrence.
- Evaluation of senolytic agents' potential for enhancing conventional cancer therapies.
Main Results:
- Preclinical evidence suggests senolytics can enhance the efficacy of standard cancer therapies.
- Senolytics show potential in prolonging the antitumor activity of senescence-inducing treatments.
- Current preclinical models have limitations in fully assessing senolytic efficacy and safety.
Conclusions:
- Senolytics hold promise as an adjunct therapy to improve cancer treatment efficacy and prolong antitumor effects.
- Further development of senolytic agents with optimal properties for clinical testing is crucial.
- Addressing tolerability and activity in therapy-induced senescence is key for successful clinical translation.
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