Cell aging in tumors near bone environments: helpful or harmful?

Cellular senescence is defined as irreversible growth arrest and is associated with a secretory phenotype that can promote tumor progression.

• Senescent cells can inhibit the growth of damaged cells but may also contribute to tumor promotion through secreted factors.
• The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) includes pro-inflammatory cytokines and other factors that alter the tissue environment.
• SASP can lead to increased inflammation, changes in tissue structure, and enhanced invasion of tumor cells.
• The dual role of cellular senescence in preventing and promoting tumors is particularly significant in the bone tumor microenvironment.
• Targeted therapies, such as senolytics and SASP inhibitors, aim to mitigate the tumor-promoting effects of senescence.

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