Ichim et al. published work in the Journal of Translational Medicine describing 'senescent cell immunization' as a novel approach to target solid tumors by directing immune responses against senescent cells within the tumor microenvironment. Preclinical models showed tumor growth control following vaccination strategies that mark senescent cells for immune clearance. The studies present senescent cells—non-dividing, pro-inflammatory cells that accumulate in aging and cancer—as an antigen source for active immunization. Authors frame the approach as complementary to existing immunotherapies; however, translational challenges include antigen selection, potential off-target clearance of beneficial senescent cells and establishing safety in diverse tumor contexts. Senescent cell immunization leverages adaptive immunity to clear a pro‑tumor cellular state; clinical translation will depend on reproducible antigenicity and close safety monitoring in first‑in‑human studies.