Aging, immunity and cancer

Abstract

Although the increased incidence of common cancers with age on one hand and immunosenescence on the other are both well documented in animal models and in humans, evidence for a causal link between the two is controversial. It is, therefore, most appropriate to critically consider whether the dysfunctional immune processes occurring with aging may play a contributing role in the increased incidence of cancer with aging. Indeed whether or not immunosenescence plays a significant role could have a determinant impact on devising cancer prevention and/or immunotherapeutic strategies for the presently growing elderly population.