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Review
. 2021 Oct;24(10):1317-1320.
doi: 10.1111/1756-185X.14194. Epub 2021 Aug 4.

A bond between rheumatic diseases and cancer in the elderly: The interleukin-6 pathway

Giuseppe Carlo Iorio  1 , Antonio Ammendolia  2 , Nicola Marotta  2 , Umberto Ricardi  1 , Alessandro de Sire  2
Affiliations
Review

A bond between rheumatic diseases and cancer in the elderly: The interleukin-6 pathway

Giuseppe Carlo Iorio et al. Int J Rheum Dis. 2021 Oct.

Abstract

Interleukin (IL)-6 is a soluble factor secreted by T lymphocytes, involved in antibody generation by B lymphocytes. The IL-6 pathway has risen as a pivotal pathway implicated in immune regulation and dysregulation in various rheumatic diseases. Nonetheless, elevated IL-6 levels can also play a role in cancer. Targeting the IL-6 pathway has led to innovative therapeutic approaches for rheumatic diseases and for COVID-19, particularly in the elderly. Indeed, tocilizumab, an agent targeting IL-6, has recently amassed significant attention as a promising univocal agent for different conditions. In this viewpoint, we sought to recall and describe the common pathway among osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer, suggesting that anti-IL-6 may be considered a jack-of-all-trades against inflammaging in the elderly.

Keywords: COVID-19; aging; cancer; osteoarthritis; rheumatoid arthritis.

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References

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