Emerging prodrug and nano-drug delivery strategies for the detection and elimination of senescent tumor cells

Abstract

Tumor cellular senescence, characterized by reversible cell cycle arrest following anti-cancer therapies, presents a complex paradigm in oncology. Given that senescent tumor cells may promote angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and metastasis, selective killing senescent cells (SCs)-a strategy termed senotherapy-has emerged as a promising approach to improve cancer treatment. However, the clinical implementation of senotherapy faces significant hurdles, including lack of precise methods for SCs identification and the potential for adverse effects associated with highly cytotoxic senolytic agents. In this account, we elucidate recent advancement in developing novel approaches for the detection and selective elimination of SCs, encompassing prodrugs, nanoparticles, and other cutting-edge drug delivery systems such as PROTAC technology and CAR T cell therapy. Furthermore, we explore the paradoxical nature of SCs, which can induce growth arrest in adjacent neoplastic cells and recruit immunomodulatory cells that contribute to tumor suppression. Therefore, we utilize SCs membrane as vehicles to elicit antitumor immunity and potentially augment existing anti-cancer therapies. Finally, the opportunities and challenges are put forward to facilitate the development and clinical transformation of SCs detection, elimination or utilization.