Senescent macrophages in cancer: roles in tumor progression and treatment opportunities

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Senescent macrophages have emerged as dynamic cells within the tumor microenvironment that significantly promote tumor progression through complex cellular and molecular functional alterations. This review explores the multifaceted roles of macrophage senescence in cancer, and establishes links between senescent macrophages and tumor progression from multiple perspectives, on the basis of the first comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms and pathways involved. By systematically examining the diverse changes in senescent macrophages, this review integrates and analyzes their effects on tumors, thus offering a comprehensive and novel theoretical foundation, and practical insights for cancer treatment. Notably, by integrating current molecular research and therapeutic advancements, we summarize novel therapeutic strategies targeting senescent macrophages, including senolytics, senescence modulators, and cutting-edge immunotherapies, thereby highlighting the potential of senescent macrophages as a therapeutic target and introducing new opportunities for cancer treatment.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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