Combo Therapy Cuts Zombie Cells in Diabetic Kidneys

Mayo Clinic researchers identify drug-and-supplement combination that reduces harmful effects of senescent cells in diabetic kidney disease.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that a combination of the cancer drug dasatanib and the natural substance quercetin can reduce the abundance of senescent or "zombie" cells in the kidneys of those with diabetic kidney disease. In a preclinical study, the therapy improved kidney function and protective factors while decreasing injury, inflammation, and senescent cells.

Why it matters

Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S., affecting over 12 million people. While newer treatments can delay loss of kidney function, there is currently no cure. Targeting senescent cells, which contribute to aging and disease, holds promise for improving kidney health in those with diabetes.

The details

The study, published in eBioMedicine, a Lancet publication, found that the combination therapy reduced senescent cells and improved kidney function in a preclinical model of diabetic kidney disease. In cultured human kidney cells, the therapy also reduced senescent cells and the inflammatory process they prompt. The researchers previously conducted a pilot clinical trial that showed the combination of dasatanib and quercetin reduced senescent cells in skin and fat tissues of patients with diabetic kidney disease.

  • The study was published on March 6, 2026.

The players

LaTonya Hickson, M.D.

A nephrologist at Mayo Clinic in Florida and the principal investigator of the study.

Xiaohui Bian, M.D., Ph.D.

A nephrologist who conducted the work as a postdoctoral fellow at Mayo Clinic and is the lead author on the study.

Mayo Clinic

A nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education, and research, providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing.

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What they’re saying

“Our study found that the combination therapy, given over a short period of time, reduced the abundance of senescent cells in a preclinical model of diabetic kidney disease and also improved kidney function.”

— LaTonya Hickson, M.D., Nephrologist at Mayo Clinic in Florida and principal investigator of the study (eBioMedicine)

“The results show this combination treatment holds potential to help reduce and halt kidney damage from diabetes. Promising findings from these two investigations now suggest that larger scale studies using senolytics should be pursued in patients to improve kidney health.”

— LaTonya Hickson, M.D., Nephrologist at Mayo Clinic in Florida and principal investigator of the study (eBioMedicine)

What’s next

Larger scale studies using senolytics, such as the combination of dasatanib and quercetin, should be pursued in patients with diabetic kidney disease to further evaluate the potential of this therapy to improve kidney health.

The takeaway

This research highlights a promising new approach to targeting senescent or "zombie" cells in the kidneys of those with diabetic kidney disease, which is the leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S. The combination therapy of a cancer drug and a natural substance holds potential to reduce kidney damage and improve function, offering hope for a new treatment option for this debilitating condition.