This review explores the potential of inducing senescence in cancer cells and exploiting their unique features for cancer treatment, including selective eradication (senolysis) and immune system activation, along with the challenges and opportunities of a sequential "one-two punch" approach of pro-senescence followed by senolytic therapy.
Senescence in Cancer Cells:
- Senescence is a cellular response to stress, characterized by a stable cell cycle arrest and changes in cell morphology and physiology.
- While often studied in non-cancer cells, cancer cells can also mount a senescence response.
- Various stressors, including DNA damage, oncogene activation, and certain drugs, can induce senescence in cancer cells.
- Senescent cancer cells exhibit a unique phenotype, including cell cycle arrest, changes in morphology (e.g., enlarged, flattened cells), and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).
- Senescent cells can be selectively eradicated through senolytic therapy, which exploits their vulnerabilities.
- The SASP can activate the immune system, potentially leading to the clearance of senescent cancer cells.
- A sequential approach of inducing senescence (pro-senescence therapy) followed by senolytic therapy offers a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
Challenges and Opportunities:
- The persistence of senescent cells and their potential to contribute to cancer development and metastasis are challenges that need to be addressed.
- Senescence-based therapies offer the potential for selective cancer cell eradication, immune system activation, and a reduction in the risk of recurrence.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. Generative AI is experimental.
Comments