Researchers have discovered that combining two cancer drugs, rapamycin and trametinib, can prolong the lifespan of mice by around 30 percent. The combination therapy also improves the animals’ health in older age, reducing chronic inflammation and slowing cancer onset.
The study’s authors believe that these findings may be applicable to humans, as both rapamycin and trametinib are already used to treat cancer. Rapamycin is a potent “geroprotector” that slows down the aging process, while trametinib has been shown to have anti-aging effects in flies.
However, the researchers caution that more research is needed to confirm these findings in humans. They are currently working to establish the optimum dose of trametinib for prolonging life while minimizing side effects.
The study’s results suggest that the combination produces novel effects on gene activity beyond those expected from increased dosages alone. Trametinib, which has already been approved for use in humans, is considered a promising candidate for further investigation as a geroprotector.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/aging-health-drugs-cancer-therapy-trametinib-rapamycin-2077929