Mechanisms of Senescence in Cancer: Positive and Negative Aspects of Cancer Cells Senescence

Abstract

Cell senescence was considered an attribute of normal dividing cells, which distinguishing them from cancer cells that do not have a division limit. However, recent studies show that senescence could also occur in cancer cells. Cancer cell senescence could occur as a result of chemotherapy, radiation, inhibition of telomerase activity, induction of DNA damage, changes in the tumor microenvironment, regulation of senescence-related proteins, oxidative stress, inflammation, or epigenetic dysregulation. It seems that the induction of senescence in cancer cells could significantly affect the inhibition of tumor progression, but in some types of cancer, it can affect their invasive character. Furthermore, considering the therapeutic implications of this process, it is essential to consider the positive and negative aspects of cancer cell senescence. It is crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms that induce senescence under specific conditions, considering the potential hazards. In the future, the senescence of cancer cells may contribute to using this property in modern cancer treatment strategies.