A group of scientists from the University of Auckland recently studied whether a cancer drug called alpelisib could also slow down aging. Alpelisib is currently used to treat certain types of cancer, but researchers were curious to see if it might also extend lifespan.
To test this, they conducted an experiment on mice. One group of healthy mice was fed a normal diet, while another group received the same diet with alpelisib added. The mice started taking the drug in middle age, around one year old, and continued taking it for a long period.
The results were promising. The mice that consumed alpelisib lived about 10% longer than those on a regular diet, reaching an average lifespan of around three years. They also showed some signs of better health in old age, such as improved coordination and strength.
However, the researchers caution that the drug is not necessarily a miracle cure for aging. While it appeared to extend lifespan in mice, it also had some drawbacks.
For example, the treated mice had lower bone mass, which could make them more fragile. Additionally, alpelisib has side effects that could be harmful if taken for a long time.
The reason alpelisib might affect aging is that it targets an enzyme called PI 3-kinase. This enzyme is involved in cancer growth, but scientists believe it may also play a role in aging.
For over two decades, researchers have been developing drugs to target PI 3-kinase for cancer treatment. Now, this study suggests that these drugs might have other uses, such as increasing lifespan or improving metabolic health.
While the findings are exciting, the researchers emphasize that more studies are needed before considering alpelisib as an anti-aging treatment for humans. They need to better understand how it works and what risks it may carry.
This study is part of a larger effort to understand aging and find ways to improve health as people get older. Other recent studies have also explored factors that may influence lifespan.
For example, research suggests that animal protein may be more effective than plant protein for maintaining muscle health in old age. Another study found that olive oil might help people live longer, while vitamin D has been linked to a lower risk of autoimmune diseases.
These discoveries highlight the importance of long-term research into aging and disease. While there is no single solution to aging, studies like this offer hope for new treatments that could help people stay healthier for longer.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that low-carb diet could increase overall cancer risk, and new way to increase the longevity of cancer survivors.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies about how to fight cancer with these anti-cancer superfoods, and results showing daily vitamin D3 supplementation may reduce cancer death risk.
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