In Memphis, Tennessee, scientists are working to slow ageing and treat age-related diseases. Their goal is to improve health and extend life.
Dr. Greg Armstrong from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading one key project. His team studies childhood cancer survivors, who often age faster due to chemotherapy and radiation.
Senescent Cells Targeting to Combat Ageing
“About 85% of children survive cancer,” Armstrong says. “But many develop serious health problems later in life.” These problems include heart disease, strokes, and frailty. Some survivors in their 30s have bodies that resemble elderly individuals in their 70s or 80s.
This early ageing happens because of senescent cells. These cells stop working but don’t die. Instead, they release harmful molecules that speed up ageing and disease.
Armstrong’s team is testing senolytics—drugs that remove senescent cells. Their trial involves 50 participants taking dasatinib (a chemotherapy drug) and quercetin (a plant compound). They hope these drugs will improve health and extend life.
Senolytics Show Promise in Research
Studies in animals show exciting results. In mice, senolytics helped repair damaged tissues and slow ageing.
“Finding the right balance is key,” says Johannes Grillari from the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute in Vienna. The drugs must be safe before doctors can offer them to healthy people.
Senolytics may also help with Alzheimer’s disease, lung conditions, and organ transplants. Many donor organs contain senescent cells, which cause inflammation and rejection. Removing these cells could increase transplant success rates.
The Future of Anti-Ageing Science
Not all senescent cells are bad. Tohru Minamino from Juntendo University in Japan explains that some help wound healing. His team is working on an “ageing vaccine” that removes harmful senescent cells while leaving useful ones intact.
Early tests in mice look promising. However, Stijn Meijnikman from the Netherlands warns that removing old cells is not enough. “The body must be able to regenerate new cells,” he says.
Despite challenges, anti-ageing research is making progress. Scientists believe these treatments could change medicine and improve lives worldwide.
