Posted on 09/09/2024 8:08:58 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
A study addresses: Why is aging the biggest risk factor for cancer? The study reveals how an aging immune system spurs tumor growth, offering new insights into cancer prevention and treatment.
The research team found that anakinra, a drug typically used for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, can be repurposed to block harmful signals between early lung cancer lesions and the bone marrow. This is critical, say the investigators, because as the immune system ages, it creates harmful inflammation that can drive cancer development.
"We found that by blocking specific inflammatory pathways, especially those involving molecules called interleukin-1⍺ (IL-1⍺) and IL-1β, this damaging process could be reversed in mouse models," says Dr. Merad.
The research team injected tumor cells into mice and observed that lung, pancreatic, and colonic cancer grew more rapidly in older mice compared to younger ones. Using bone marrow transplants from either young or old mice, investigators simulated the effects of the immune system's aging. The team found that an aged immune system accelerates cancer growth, even in young mice. More strikingly, they found that rejuvenating the immune system significantly reduced cancer growth in older mice.
The team identified immune-related factors that accelerate cancer growth in the elderly. They then successfully blocked these factors, specifically IL-1⍺/β, demonstrating that inhibiting these molecules can reduce cancer growth in aged mice.
"This study reveals that targeting the aging immune system could significantly reduce cancer risk in older adults. It suggests that enhancing the immune response through immunotherapy might be more effective than directly targeting tumors. The discovery that anakinra, which blocks the activity of IL-1⍺/β and is a drug already used for inflammatory conditions, can mitigate the harmful effects of immune aging on cancer opens the door to repurposing existing medications for cancer prevention," says Thomas Marron, MD, Ph.D.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
No kidding.
bttt
Living forever is not an option... Something is going to kill you, especially if you live long enough.
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Then what does that say about all the cancers that happen with children? Did something prematurely age their immune system?
FTA:
“More strikingly, they found that rejuvenating the immune system significantly reduced cancer growth in older mice.”
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I’m ready for my blood transfusion..
;)
;)"
;-)
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