Rapamycin Drug Used in Cancer Therapy Found to Increase Human Lifespan [Study]

Aging has been one of the mysteries amongst members of the scientific community for many years; although some living organisms are biologically immortal, a number of animals like humans are not.

Defined as the as the process of cellular or molecular damaging over time, biological aging is an imminent evolutionary process. It has been a subject of research pertaining to human health and its related diseases.

While human lifespan extension is possible, the notion of reaching beyond the projected age limit of a person is still theoretically unclear.

Such boundary is the case since evidence showed that a particular variable could still be hard to attribute if a prolonged lifespan is potentially achieved.

However, scientists are focusing on slowing aging, which can address its associated health conditions and diseases.

In a new study, scientists from Germany are claiming that a brief exposure to rapamycin, a drug typically used in cancer therapy, can increase human lifespan at an unspecified rate.

It can also have the same anti-aging effects of a lifelong treatment.

This can be achieved under a brief exposure to the anti-aging drug or there will be side effects, as previously found in some cancer patients.

In the past, cancer patients have reportedly experienced health complications from rapamycin when they take it as a lifelong anti-aging treatment.

However, the new research found that even a brief or short-term usage of the drug can have a dramatic impact on longevity, while decreasing the side effects.

Rapamycin Drug and Cancer Therapy

(Photo : Photo by STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images)

In the new paper published in the journal Nature Aging on Monday, August 29, researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing explored the long-lasting geroprotection from brief rapamycin treatment during early adulthood.

According to a news release on Monday, the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing said this is made possible due to persistent increase intestinal autophagy.

This means that young adults who will be briefly exposed to the cancer drug can be spared or protected from the age-related health hazards in the intestine, which eventually extended their lives.

The assertion of an anti-aging remedy had its roots from previous experiments on laboratory animals.

Also Read: Aging Mystery: Crocodiles, Salamanders and Turtles Could Hold the Key Behind Aging and Longevity, Scientists Say

Human Aging and Lifespan

The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that aging leads to gradual decrease in mental and physical capacity since cells are damaged at a biological level.

In addition, they also yield in the increased risk of disease and ultimately death.

However, the WHO claims that such changes are neither linear nor consistent since they are dependent in a person's age in years.

Compared to ancient times, the international health body states that people are living longer worldwide.

This is due to associated technological advancements, primarily in the field of medicine, which has developed vaccines and various treatments for ailments and diseases.

Between 2015 and 2050, the ratio of the world's population aged more than 60 years will increase from 12% to 22%, according to the WHO.