The Role of Aging and Senescence in Bone Marrow Transplantation Outcome

Bone marrow transplantation is considered a cornerstone in the treatment of hematologic malignancies and blood disorders. While it may offer the possibility of a cure through the use of high-dose chemotherapy and radiation, outcomes are significantly impacted by biological and medical factors. Herein, aging is associated with reduced hematopoiesis, immune function, and overall regenerative capacity of tissues. Growth arrest, a crucial property of cellular senescence, inhibits bone marrow function, lowers immune surveillance in aged adults, and reduces the efficiency of bone marrow transplantation. The clinical course for older recipients is further complicated by the presence of prolonged immunosuppression, slower recovery, and higher complication rates, including life-threatening graft-versus-host disease. Accordingly, there is increasing interest in explaining how aging, cellular senescence, and transplant outcomes are interrelated. The current chapter outlines the mechanisms whereby aging and senescence contribute to the immunological dysregulation and poor bone marrow transplantation outcomes observed in elderly cancer patients. The authors' goal is to suggest therapeutic approaches that will enhance the quality of life and survival rates of elderly bone marrow transplant recipients.