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Updated: May 10, 2025

Through the Looking Glass: Time-lapse Microscopy and Longitudinal Tracking of Single Cells to Study Anti-cancer Therapeutics
Published on: May 14, 2016
Decoding the crossroads of aging and cancer through single-cell analysis: Implications for precision oncology
Dengxiong Li1, Qingxin Yu2,3, Fanglin Shao4
1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
None:
Single-cell analysis is a transformative approach to understanding cellular heterogeneity in aging and cancer, interconnected processes driven by mechanisms like senescence and immune modulation. This review explores how aging influences cancer initiation, progression, and treatment resistance within the tumor microenvironment (TME). By examining recent studies using single-cell technologies, we reveal the nuanced roles of aging in tumorigenesis, immune interactions, and therapeutic outcomes. Aging is closely tied to cancer progression, with senescent cells demonstrating heightened proliferative, invasive, and metastatic capabilities. Emerging senolytic therapies targeting aging-related pathways hold promise for enhancing treatment efficacy. Advanced tools such as spatial transcriptomics, molecular probes, and artificial intelligence further refine our understanding of aging-related heterogeneity in the TME. By integrating single-cell analysis with these technologies, future research can clarify the intricate interactions between aging and cancer, advancing precision oncology and improving outcomes for aging cancer patients.
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