Inflammation, aging, and cancer vaccines

Immunosenescence is characterized by a series of changes of immune pathways, including a chronic state of low-grade inflammation. Mounting evidence from experimental and clinical studies suggests that persistent inflammation increases the risk of cancer and the progression of the disease. Cancer vaccination, which came into view in the last years as the most intriguing means of activating an immune response capable of effectively hampering the progression of the preclinical stages of a tumour, has been shown to be less effective in older age than in young adults. Available evidence on the use of inhibitors of inflammation has indicated their potential enhancement of cancer vaccines, suggesting the possibility to improve the low effectiveness of cancer vaccines in old age employing pharmacological or natural compounds-based anti-inflammatory intervention. This review addresses the effects of age and inflammation on cancer development and progression, and speculates as to whether the modulation of inflammation may influence the response to cancer immunization.