Glycolytic cancer cells lacking 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase metabolize glucose to induce senescence

► 6PGD is significantly upregulated in human lung tumors from patients. ► Knockdown of 6PGD causes senescence in lung cancer cells in vitro. ► Cells lacking 6PGD appear to metabolize glucose as an inhibitor to induce senescence. ► 6PGD knockdown significantly inhibits tumor growth in a mouse xenograft myodel.