Special Issue Information

Aging is a progressive decline in homeostasis, increasing susceptibility to diseases, including cancer. Over the past two decades, significant advances in aging biology have revealed key mechanisms driving this process, such as genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, and stem cell depletion. These hallmarks not only contribute to aging but also play a fundamental role in tumor initiation and progression.

Genomic instability—a hallmark of both aging and cancer—arises from accumulated DNA damage and inefficient repair, leading to somatic mutations that drive tumorigenesis. Senescent cells further reshape the tumor microenvironment by secreting inflammatory factors, promoting malignancy while evading immune clearance. With age, the immune system undergoes immunosenescence, weakening its ability to eliminate mutated or senescent cells, thereby facilitating cancer development.

This Special Issue explores how aging-related genomic instability fuels carcinogenesis. Key topics include the mechanisms linking DNA damage to tumorigenesis, the role of cellular senescence in cancer progression, and how immunosenescence alters tumor immunity. By deepening our understanding of these processes, we aim to uncover novel strategies for cancer prevention and treatment in aging populations.

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