Recent research suggests that breast cancer treatments may have long-term effects that accelerate the aging process in survivors. The study, led by UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, found that common treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can increase markers of cellular aging in breast cancer survivors.
These findings, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, indicate that biological aging processes are impacted by breast cancer treatments more extensively than previously thought. The study’s lead author, Judith Carroll, noted that even women who only underwent radiation or surgery showed changes in gene expression related to biological aging.
With advances in cancer therapies improving survival rates, it is crucial to understand how these treatments affect the aging process in survivors. The research team conducted a two-year longitudinal study to track changes in gene expression related to aging in breast cancer survivors, finding increased expression of genes associated with cellular senescence and inflammation.
Further investigation into biomarkers that measure biological age and the impact of cancer treatments on aging is underway. Understanding these pathways could help improve survivorship and overall quality of life for breast cancer survivors.
Comments
