Cancer Treatment as an Accelerated Aging Process: Assessment, Biomarkers, and Interventions

Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2016:35:e516-22. doi: 10.1200/EDBK_156160.

Abstract

An accumulating body of evidence supports the hypothesis that cancer and/or cancer treatment is associated with accelerated aging. The majority of these data come from the pediatric literature; however, a smaller yet growing body of literature points toward similar findings in the geriatric population. This is a key survivorship issue the growing number of older adults with cancer face, along with the short- and long-term impact of cancer therapy on the aging process. This article will review clinical and biologic markers of aging in older adults with cancer, use cardiovascular disease as a model of accelerated aging, and discuss potential interventions to decrease the risk.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / drug effects
  • Aging / pathology*
  • Biomarkers*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Survivors

Substances

  • Biomarkers