Childhood Cancer Survivors May Face Faster Aging, Study Finds
Recent research indicates that surviving cancer during childhood or young adulthood could lead to accelerated aging. A team at the University of Rochester Medical Center explored how life-saving treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation might influence biological aging.
The researchers wanted to investigate whether this acceleration in aging was connected to cognitive issues, particularly in areas like memory, attention, and learning. To do this, they analyzed blood samples from 1,400 long-term survivors who were treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They used tools called epigenetic clocks, which estimate biological age by looking at chemical changes in DNA.
Biological age reflects the damage that cells accumulate over time, while chronological age is simply the number of years someone has lived. The study found that young cancer survivors, particularly those who had acute lymphoblastic leukemia or Hodgkin lymphoma, experienced significant effects on their aging process. Most participants had been cancer-free for over five years, with some having survived for decades.
During the study, the participants underwent neurocognitive tests to assess their memory, attention span, and speed of processing information. The findings revealed that chemotherapy had the most significant impact on accelerating aging. Specifically, it can alter DNA structure and cause harm to normal cells as well.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a medical analyst, commented on the results, stating that it’s not surprising to find long-term effects of chemotherapy on young cancer survivors. He explained that “chemo poisons and damages cellular function,” which can lead to what many refer to as “chemo brain,” manifesting as temporary memory and concentration difficulties.
The study also found a strong link between biological aging and cognitive performance. Those who showed a higher biological age had more trouble with memory and attention tasks.
The researchers hope these insights will aid in developing strategies for early intervention. With many young cancer survivors facing decades of life ahead, the aim is to not only prolong life but also enhance its quality. Lead author AnnaLynn Williams, PhD, emphasized the importance of addressing these aging changes early.
However, the study does have some limitations. The researchers were unable to account for chronic health conditions or educational background that might affect the results. Additionally, the research was conducted at a single point in time, meaning it can’t definitively prove cause and effect.
The study was published in the journal Nature Communications, shedding light on the long-term challenges faced by young cancer survivors and the importance of ongoing research in this area.
