Chemo ages Breast Cancer Survivors

The fact that chemo ages breast cancer survivors is not a new or recent finding. In fact, according to research chemotherapy causes:

The question breast cancer patients must ask themselves is first, if chemotherapy is necessary and second, is there any way to reduce or eliminate the risks outlined above.

Depending on the patient’s diagnosis, age, goals, etc. conventional therapies may be necessary. However the dosing of a chemo regimen or radiation session may be variable. Meaning your oncologist can reduce the dose given which can also reduce the amount of premature aging.

Or, the many therapies listed below can reduce chemo-induced aging. I know that because I underwent aggressive, high-dose therapy for my own cancer and have managed to reverse many of the signs of pre-mature aging by undergoing the therapies below.

What therapies can reduce chemotherapy-induced aging?

1. Antioxidant Therapy

Chemotherapy often induces oxidative stress, which damages cells and contributes to aging. Some antioxidants may help mitigate this:

Vitamin C and E: These are known to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage.
Glutathione: A potent antioxidant that may help detoxify chemotherapy drugs and reduce cellular damage.

2. Mitochondrial-Targeted Therapies

Mitochondria play a significant role in aging. Chemotherapy damages mitochondrial function, leading to cellular senescence (biological aging). Some therapies target mitochondrial health:

MitoQ: A mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant that may reduce mitochondrial damage.
Coenzyme Q10: Supports mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress.
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN): These NAD+ precursors are believed to promote mitochondrial health and have anti-aging properties.

3. Senolytic Agents

Chemotherapy can lead to the accumulation of senescent cells, which secrete inflammatory factors and contribute to aging.

Dasatinib and Quercetin: These senolytic compounds help clear senescent cells, reducing inflammation and potentially reversing some aging effects.
Fisetin: A natural flavonoid with senolytic properties that can promote healthy aging by clearing senescent cells.

4. Stem Cell Therapy

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): MSCs have shown promise in regenerating damaged tissues and improving immune function. They may help rejuvenate tissues affected by chemotherapy, aiding recovery and reducing signs of aging.

5. Exercise

Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to combat chemotherapy-induced aging. Regular exercise has been shown to:

Improve mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress.
Enhance muscle mass and reduce sarcopenia (muscle loss).
Improve cognitive function by increasing neurogenesis (growth of new neurons) and reducing inflammation.

6. Cognitive Rehabilitation

Chemotherapy can lead to cognitive decline or “chemo brain.” Cognitive therapies can help patients recover cognitive function:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps with memory, focus, and mental clarity.
Computer-based cognitive training programs: These are designed to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

7. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Chemotherapy can lead to hormonal imbalances, especially in women. Hormone replacement may help mitigate some of the aging effects:

Estrogen and Progesterone: Replacement in women can improve bone density, cognitive function, and mood.
Testosterone Replacement: In men, testosterone replacement may help improve muscle mass, energy, and mood.

8. Nutritional Interventions

Diet plays a key role in managing the side effects of chemotherapy and reducing aging.

Caloric restriction (CR): Studies suggest that caloric restriction, or intermittent fasting, may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting longevity.
Anti-inflammatory Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

9. Anti-Inflammatory Therapies

Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of both aging and chemotherapy-induced damage. Anti-inflammatory strategies include:

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs may help reduce inflammation but should be used cautiously due to potential side effects.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, omega-3s reduce inflammation and have anti-aging properties.
Curcumin: An active compound in turmeric, curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

10. Rapamycin and Metformin

These are two of the most studied drugs for their anti-aging potential:

Rapamycin: Targets the mTOR pathway, which is involved in cell growth and aging. It has shown promise in extending lifespan and may help reduce chemotherapy-induced aging effects.
Metformin: A common diabetes drug that has been found to promote longevity and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.

11. Growth Factors and Peptides

Certain growth factors and peptides may help regenerate tissues damaged by chemotherapy:

Human Growth Hormone (HGH): Promotes tissue repair and regeneration, although it should be used cautiously due to potential side effects.
BPC-157 and Thymosin Beta-4: Peptides that promote healing and tissue regeneration.

12. Mind-Body Therapies

Stress reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can reduce the psychological and physiological impacts of chemotherapy:

These practices help lower cortisol levels, reduce inflammation, and support cognitive function, all of which are linked to healthier aging.

Let me be clear. Chemotherapy, in general, is toxic. Chemo can cause a lot of bodily harm. Unfortunately, there are times when at least, a little chemo is beneficial.

if this is the case then the solution is to offset the damage done by your chemo as much as possible through non-conventional therapies.

The conventional therapies for me facing a diagnoses of a blood cancer caused a host of short, long-term and late stage side effects.

If you have any questions, email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com

Thank you,

David Emerson

Cancer Survivor
Cancer Coach
Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Transcriptomic markers of biological aging in breast cancer survivors: a longitudinal study

Background- The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of breast cancer therapy on biological aging as measured by expression of genes for cellular senescence (p16^INK4a, SenMayo), DNA damage response, and proinflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype.

Methods- This longitudinal, observational study evaluated women diagnosed with breast cancer (stage 0-III) prior to radiation therapy (RT) and/or chemotherapy (CT) and at repeated visits out to 2 years. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell gene expression was assessed using RNA sequencing on quality-verified RNA. Longitudinal data were analyzed using mixed linear models and a zero-inflated 2-part model.

Results- Women (mean age = 55.5 years) receiving CT with or without RT (n = 73) had higher odds (odds ratio = 2.97, 95% confidence interval = 1.52 to 5.8) of having detectable p16^INK4a following treatment compared with RT (n = 76) or surgery alone (n = 37). The proportion of women expressing 16^INK4a over the follow-up period increased in all treatment groups (P < .001), with no interaction by treatment. All groups also increased over time in DNA damage response (P < .001), SenMayo (P < .001), and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (P < .001). Groups differed in the pattern of increase over time with statistically significant quadratic time by group differences for CT with or without RT compared with RT alone for DNA damage response (P = .05), SenMayo (P = .006), and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (P = .02).

Conclusions- Results revealed activation of genes associated with biological aging in women with breast cancer from diagnosis through early survivorship, including DNA damage response, cell senescence, and the inflammatory secretome. Increases were evident across cancer treatments, although women receiving CT showed sustained increases, whereas RT exhibited slowing at later time points. Overall, findings suggest that women treated for breast cancer are aging within their immune cells.

Diagnosed with Cancer? Your two greatest challenges are understanding cancer and understanding possible side effects from chemo and radiation. Knowledge is Power!