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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
08:56
Simultaneous Imaging and Flow-Cytometry-based Detection of Multiple Fluorescent Senescence Markers in Therapy-Induced Senescent Cancer Cells
Published on: July 12, 2022
Fate Bifurcation of Cellular Senescence: Dynamic Regulation from Tumor Suppression to Recurrence Risk
Xiuhong Chen1, Huilong Liu1, Qipeng Shu1
1School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
Cells
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Cellular senescence, a cell cycle arrest state, can suppress or promote tumors. Understanding its dual role and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) is key for developing new cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cellular senescence is a stable cell cycle arrest mechanism crucial for tumor suppression.
- Senescence can paradoxically promote tumor progression via the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the definition, characteristics, and inducers of cellular senescence.
- To analyze the dual role of senescence and SASP in tumor initiation, progression, and recurrence.
- To discuss evolving cancer therapeutic strategies targeting senescent cells.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cellular senescence mechanisms.
- Analysis of molecular pathways involved in senescence induction and maintenance.
- Examination of SASP's role in tumor microenvironment modulation.
- Discussion of senescence escape mechanisms and dedifferentiation.
- Exploration of current and future cancer therapy approaches.
Main Results:
- Cellular senescence acts as a tumor suppressor by halting damaged cell proliferation.
- Senescent cells, through SASP, can foster inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling, aiding tumor progression.
- Senescence escape, dedifferentiation, and stemness acquisition contribute to tumor recurrence.
- SASP exhibits a dual role, potentially inhibiting or promoting tumor development.
Conclusions:
- Cellular senescence presents a complex, dual role in cancer, acting as both a suppressor and promoter.
- Targeting senescent cells and their SASP is a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.
- Integrating advanced omics technologies with AI/ML offers personalized therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
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