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One of the major mysteries surrounding cancer is its prevalence in middle-aged and older adults. Studies show that 90% of cancers are diagnosed after the age of 50, raising questions about why our bodies become less efficient at preventing cancer as we age. While theories include accumulated cell damage and a decline in immune system efficacy, a newer area of research highlights the role of “inflammaging”—a blend of inflammation and aging—as a significant factor.

Understanding Inflammaging and Its Impact on Cancer: Inflammation is a crucial part of the body’s immune response, helping to fight infections and eliminate cancer cells. However, as people age, their bodies often fail to regulate inflammation effectively, leading to chronic inflammation or “inflammaging.” This persistent state of inflammation can impair the immune system’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells, increasing the risk of developing cancer.

Dr. Shilpa Ravella, a professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, explains that inflammation is one of the “hallmarks” of cancer. The relationship between inflammation and cancer is complex and bidirectional; inflammation can fuel cancer growth, while cancer can also induce more inflammation. This cycle affects all stages of cancer development, from the initial genetic mutations to the spread of malignant cells.

Debate and Research: While the link between chronic inflammation and cancer is still debated, with some experts questioning whether inflammation causes illness or is merely a marker of chronic conditions, the concept has gained traction. Dr. Ian Neel from the University of California San Diego notes that while correlations exist, proving causation is challenging.

Potential Interventions: Efforts to mitigate inflammaging include anti-inflammatory diets and medications. A diet rich in diverse plant foods can help reduce inflammation by promoting a healthy gut microbiome. However, diet alone may not be sufficient. Some researchers are exploring pharmaceuticals like statins and metformin, which may reduce inflammation and lower cancer risk. Metformin, traditionally used for type 2 diabetes, is being investigated for its potential to lower the risk of gastrointestinal cancers.

Another promising avenue involves manipulating macrophages, white blood cells that play a key role in immune response and inflammation. Recent studies suggest that cancer cells can hijack macrophages to promote tumor growth. Researchers like Dr. Yara Abdou at the University of North Carolina are working on reprogramming these cells to recognize and attack cancer cells, potentially leading to new cancer treatments.

Broader Implications: The implications of understanding and controlling inflammaging extend beyond cancer. A better grasp of this process could lead to breakthroughs in treating other age-related diseases like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis. Dr. Brian Brown, director of the Icahn Genomics Institute, emphasizes the urgency of developing strategies to safely reduce inflammaging without compromising the immune system.

Key Points:

  • Inflammaging, a combination of inflammation and aging, is linked to the increased risk of cancer in individuals over 50.
  • Chronic inflammation can impair the immune system’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells, fueling cancer development.
  • The relationship between inflammation and cancer is complex and bidirectional, influencing all stages of cancer growth.
  • Potential interventions include anti-inflammatory diets, medications like statins and metformin, and innovative treatments targeting macrophages.
  • Understanding inflammaging could lead to new treatments for not only cancer but also other age-related diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News