Special Issue Information

Aging stands as one of the most significant risk factors for the development of a wide spectrum of cancers. This strong epidemiological link strongly suggests shared fundamental biological mechanisms underpinning both the aging process and carcinogenesis. Research over recent decades has identified several overlapping hallmarks common to aging and cancer, with inflammation emerging as a particularly pivotal shared characteristic.

Inflammation acts as a double-edged sword in health and disease. Briefly, short-term, tightly regulated inflammation is essential for pathogen clearance, wound healing, and regeneration, promoting individual health. Conversely, chronic, dysregulated inflammation alters tissue microenvironment, facilitates cancer initiation and progression. Simultaneously, it acts as a key accelerator of the aging process itself and a major contributor to the pathogenesis of numerous age-related diseases, including neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders.

These raise several key questions: What drives the age-associated increase in inflammation? How does inflammation influence tumorigenesis and tumor progression? What core factors trigger pathological inflammation? What are the similarities and differences between inflammation in aging versus cancer? Can these inflammatory processes interact? Can inflammation be therapeutically targeted? What are the potential benefits and risks of such strategies? These intriguing questions require further exploration. Significant advancements in this field promise not only to deepen our fundamental understanding of the mechanistic links between aging and cancer but also to catalyze the development of innovative preventative and therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation to promote healthier aging and combat cancer. We invite original research and comprehensive reviews that explore the interplay between inflammation, aging, and cancer, with the goal of advancing strategies for healthier aging and cancer prevention.

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