Figure 2. Senescent, damaged cell secretome can drive carcinogenesis.

Diverse DNA-damaging stimuli, including UVR, telomere shortening with normal aging, activated oncogenes, and cancer therapies, can drive cells into senescence and lead to the secretion of the array of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and proteases known as the SASP. This can create a permissive tissue microenvironment that promotes the initiation, progression, and resistance of cancer cells. MMP1, matrix metalloproteinase 1; SASP, senescence-associated secretory phenotype.