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Review
. 2025 Jan 21;16(1):68.
doi: 10.1007/s12672-025-01808-9.

Aging and tumors: a dynamic interaction

Yudi Zhang  1   2   3 , Siqiang Zhu  1   2   3 , Zhaodong Liu  1   2   3 , Yonghao Hu  4   3 , Yongjian Zhang  1   2   3 , Liang Shang  5   6   7   8 , Leping Li  9   10   11   12
Affiliations
Review

Aging and tumors: a dynamic interaction

Yudi Zhang et al. Discov Oncol. .

Abstract

Aging is an inevitable physiological process in organisms, and the development of tumors is closely associated with cellular senescence. This article initially examines the role of cellular senescence in tumorigenesis, emphasizing the correlation between telomere length-a marker of cellular senescence-and tumor risk. Concurrently, the study explores the expression levels of senescence-associated markers, such as p16, p53, and mTOR, in the context of tumor development. Additionally, the study investigates the impact of tumors on cellular and organismal senescence, including the effects on immune system function and metabolic processes. Ultimately, the discussion explores the potential application of anti-aging strategies in tumor therapy and considers the possibility of utilizing senescence mechanisms as a novel therapeutic approach for tumors. This research provides novel insights into the complex interplay between senescence and tumor development, suggesting potential strategies for future preventative measures and therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: Aging; Anti-aging treatment; Cellular senescence; Telomere length; Tumor.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Potential mechanisms of association between Cellular senescence and Tumorigenesis. The left section describes various factors that induce cellular senescence, such as oxidative stress (Ros), DNA damage, epigenetic regulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The right part highlights the processes of gene mutation, aberrant gene amplification, and chromosomal rearrangements in tumorigenesis. The overall expression of cellular senescence and tumorigenesis under the influence of multiple factors may form a complex biological network relationship, the two have the potential to transform each other
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Strategies for treating tumors using the relationship between cellular senescence and tumors. A Anti-tumor drugs represented by Erlotinib that affect the cellular aging pathway. B SASP produced by senescent cells is used to exert anti-tumor effects. C Anti-aging strategies (antioxidant supplementation, rapamycin, and phytotherapy) affect tumors
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Double-sided effects of senescent cells in some tumors. SASP produced by senescent cells may promote the proliferation, invasion and immune escape of tumor cells, and may also trigger an inflammatory response to inhibit the development of tumor cells. Aging testes produce less androgen, which inhibits the development of prostate cancer
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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