Accelerated Aging in Cancer and Cancer Treatment: Current Status of Biomarkers

Authors

Soniya Abraham, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale-New Haven Health Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA.
Jay Parekh, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale-New Haven Health Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA.
Seohyuk Lee, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Humayra Afrin, Division of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Mariya Rozenblit, Division of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Kim R. Blenman, Division of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Rachel J. Perry, Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Leah M. Ferrucci, Yale School of Public Health, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Jessica Liu, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Melinda L. Irwin, Yale School of Public Health, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Maryam Lustberg, Division of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Cancer medicine

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Aging in humans is a heterogeneous process influenced by both biological and chronological factors. Biological age reflects an individual's physiological reserve and functional status. Increasing evidence suggests that cancer and its therapies accelerate biological aging. Many biomarkers have been evaluated to assess the biological age of patients with cancer. These biomarkers are emerging as potential tools to predict cancer-related toxicity and an individual's functional capacity as well as to individualize treatment. METHODS: This review summarizes the current literature on aging biomarkers in cancer patients, with a focus on markers of cellular senescence and epigenetic modification. We evaluate the existing evidence supporting their use as predictors of toxicity in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. RESULTS: Biomarkers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukocyte telomere length (LTL), and DNA methylation age show potential for assessing biological age, frailty, and functional reserve. The expression of p16INK4A has demonstrated promise in predicting therapy-induced toxicity and making treating decisions. However, additional confirmatory studies are necessary to further validate these biomarkers before they can be utilized as decision aids. CONCLUSION: Aging biomarkers hold promise for individualizing cancer therapy and predicting treatment-related toxicity. However, further studies are essential to validate their reliability and support their integration into clinical practice.

First Page

e70929

DOI

10.1002/cam4.70929

Publication Date

5-1-2025

Recommended Citation

Abraham, Soniya; Parekh, Jay; Lee, Seohyuk; Afrin, Humayra; Rozenblit, Mariya; Blenman, Kim R.; Perry, Rachel J.; Ferrucci, Leah M.; Liu, Jessica; Irwin, Melinda L.; and Lustberg, Maryam, "Accelerated Aging in Cancer and Cancer Treatment: Current Status of Biomarkers" (2025). Internal Medicine. 240.
https://scholar.bridgeporthospital.org/internal_medicine/240

Identifier

40322791 (pubmed); 10.1002/cam4.70929 (doi); PMC12051034 (pmc)