While aging is often seen as the biggest risk factor for cancer, a new study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) shows that aging might also provide some protection—at least when it comes to lung cancer.
This study, published in Nature on December 4, used a mouse model to explore how aging affects lung cancer development.
The research team found that although people in their 70s have the highest rates of lung cancer, incidence declines in those who reach their 80s. The reason? Older cells seem to lose their ability to renew and grow quickly—two traits that cancer cells rely on.
Dr. Xueqian Zhuang, the study’s first author, explained that older lung cells produce more of a protein called NUPR1. This protein makes the cells behave as if they are iron-deficient, even though they actually contain more iron.
As a result, these cells regenerate less effectively and form fewer tumors. In experiments, giving older mice more iron or reducing NUPR1 levels restored their ability to regenerate—and also increased their cancer risk.
This finding has two key implications:
Iron Matters: Iron metabolism plays a major role in cell regeneration and cancer development. Therapies targeting iron metabolism may be more effective in younger people than older ones.
Early Prevention is Crucial: Since cancer cells grow more easily in younger bodies, avoiding harmful exposures like smoking and tanning at a young age could be more important than previously thought.
The researchers also looked at a treatment approach called ferroptosis, a type of iron-triggered cell death. Cancer therapies using ferroptosis might not work as well in older patients because their cells are more resistant due to the perceived iron deficiency.
In short, this study adds to our understanding of how aging changes the biology of cells. While aging increases cancer risk overall, it might also provide a natural brake on tumor growth later in life. More research is needed to apply these findings safely, especially in developing new treatments and prevention strategies tailored by age.
If you care about lung health, please read studies about New diabetes drugs can benefit your kidney and lung health and findings of Many smokers have unrecognized lung problems.
For more about lung health, please read studies about What is the link between cough and lung cancer? and findings of Scientists find new cause of lung cancer.
The study is published in Nature.
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