Older Adults Show Promising Response to Immunotherapy Despite Immune System Changes with Age

Recent research from Johns Hopkins University highlights that older adults with cancer respond remarkably well to immunotherapy treatments, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, despite experiencing age-related changes in their immune systems. This study, published in Nature Communications, investigated immune responses in patients aged 65 and older, revealing that these patients benefit just as much, if not more, from immunotherapy compared to younger individuals.

Cancer incidence, particularly solid tumors, is highest among older adults, yet they often face poorer treatment outcomes than younger patients. This discrepancy is partly due to natural immune decline with age, which could theoretically reduce the effectiveness of immune-based therapies. However, the new findings suggest that immune checkpoint inhibitors remain effective across age groups.

The researchers examined immune cells and cytokines—proteins involved in immune signaling—in the blood of approximately 100 patients undergoing immunotherapy. While both older and younger patients experienced similar benefits, notable differences in immune responses were observed. For instance, older patients' T cells, which are crucial for targeting and destroying cancer cells, showed signs of previous exposure or 'experienced' cells, indicating that their immune systems may require additional stimulation to respond effectively.

These insights could help clinicians refine immunotherapy approaches tailored to different age groups, potentially boosting outcomes while minimizing side effects. The team plans to further explore immune cells within tumors to understand how aging influences immune responses at the tumor site. Ultimately, the goal is to develop personalized treatments that account for age-related immune changes, improving overall cancer care for older adults.

The study underscores the importance of not delaying or withholding immunotherapy based solely on age and emphasizes the need to consider immune system dynamics when designing cancer treatments. By understanding how aging affects immune responses, medical professionals can enhance the efficacy and safety of immunotherapies for all patients.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-older-adults-immunotherapy-age-immune.html