title: The role of immunity in elderly cancer.
abstract: The increased incidence of malignancies in elderly patients living in industrialized countries has led to both identify the causes that alter the normal homeostatic balance in elderly and designate the specific treatments. The progressive decline of the immune system (immunosenescence) involving cellular and molecular alterations impact both innate and adaptive immunity. The immunosenescence leads to increased incidence of infectious diseases morbidity and mortality as well as heightened rates of other immune disorders such as autoimmunity, cancer, and inflammatory conditions. Here, we summarize the knowledge on the major changes in the immune system associated with aging in primary lymphoid organs as well as a description of molecular mechanisms, and the impact on cancer development.
authors: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Italy.
authors: Lucia
authors: L
authors: Malaguarnera
authors: Erika
authors: E
authors: Cristaldi
authors: Mariano
authors: M
authors: Malaguarnera
mesh_terms: D056704:Adaptive Immunity / Q000235:genetics; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000235:genetics; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000276:immunology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology; D012307:Risk Factors; D019139:Tumor Escape
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D018836:Inflammation Mediators