Young adults who survive cancer face a significantly increased risk of accelerated aging, manifesting in both cellular changes and diminished cognitive function, according to a new study published in Nature Communications. Researchers found that survivors often exhibit biological markers indicating they are older than their chronological age, with potential consequences for memory, attention, and overall quality of life.
The study, led by AnnaLynn Williams, PhD, of the University of Rochester Wilmot Cancer Institute, and Kevin Krull, PhD, of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, tracked approximately 1,400 patients at least five years after completing cancer treatment. The majority had been treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or Hodgkin lymphoma. While accelerated aging was observed regardless of treatment type, chemotherapy was identified as having the most pronounced effect, likely due to its impact on DNA structure and cellular damage.
“Young cancer survivors have many more decades of life to live,” said Williams, who is too a childhood cancer survivor herself and an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at Rochester. “So, if these accelerated aging changes are occurring early on and setting them on a different trajectory, the goal is to intervene to not only increase their lifespan but improve their quality of life.”
The research revealed a strong correlation between biological age and cognitive performance. Survivors with a higher biological age—meaning their cells showed signs of aging beyond their years—experienced greater difficulty with memory and attention. This cognitive impairment can pose significant challenges as survivors navigate education, career development, and establishing independence, Williams explained. “It’s kind of like a perfect storm,” she said. “Here’s why we see many survivors having worse educational and employment outcomes than their siblings.”
Researchers are currently investigating the timing of this accelerated aging process. A pilot study conducted by Williams at Wilmot examined tissue and cell samples collected before and after treatment from 50 Hodgkin lymphoma patients, comparing them to samples from 50 healthy individuals. The analysis, conducted in collaboration with John Ashton, PhD, MBA, director of the Genomics Shared Resource at Wilmot, aims to determine whether the aging process begins during treatment or develops over time.
While the findings highlight a serious concern, ongoing research suggests potential avenues for mitigation. Wilmot researchers are exploring whether lifestyle interventions—such as quitting smoking, regular exercise, and improved nutrition—can slow or even reverse the effects of accelerated aging. Preliminary studies have already indicated that exercise can counteract aging linked to cancer treatment. Related studies are also underway focusing on women with breast cancer and older adults with leukemia.
For survivors who received radiation therapy directed at the brain, Williams emphasized the importance of focusing on preventing further cognitive decline. The National Cancer Institute provided funding for Williams’ study.