Unraveling the meta-hallmarks between senescent and tumor cells: A new perspective for senolytic drug discovery.
10.1016/j.apsb.2025.08.010
- Author:
Wei LIU
1
;
Bo FAN
2
;
Te FANG
3
;
Hongyao LI
1
;
Jin ZHANG
4
;
Bo LIU
1
;
Zhiyu LIU
2
Author Information
1. Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
2. Department of Urology, Institute of Precision Drug Innovation and Cancer Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China.
3. Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
4. School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Anti-tumor drug;
Cancer;
Cell senescence;
Drug discovery;
Meta-hallmark;
Repurposing;
Senolytic drug;
Senolytic therapy
- From:
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B
2025;15(10):5071-5098
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Aging and cancer share overlapping characteristics, referred to as meta-hallmarks, which elucidate the convergent, antagonistic, or contradictory relationships between aging and cancer. Likewise, as a key characteristic of aging, senescent cells share some meta-hallmarks with tumor cells. These hallmarks include apoptosis resistance, metabolic alterations, secretory phenotypes, epigenetic reprogramming, and immune surveillance, all of which play pivotal roles in both tumorigenesis and senescence. Moreover, senolytic drugs, which are a class of agents selectively designed to eliminate senescent cells, have emerged as promising therapeutic agents in oncology and aging-related diseases. Since the discovery of the first senolytic drug in 2015, a diverse array of such agents has been developed. Notably, most senolytic drugs are repurposed from existing anti-tumor therapies, leveraging their shared mechanisms with senescent cells and tumor cells. Thus, this review examines the similarities between senescent cells and tumor cells, providing a better understanding of the meta-hallmarks. Besides, we categorize existing senolytic drugs based upon meta-hallmarks and elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms underlying their effects. By integrating insights from cancer and senescence research, this work aims to inspire innovative strategies for senolytic drug discovery.
