Iorio GC, Ammendolia A, Marotta N, Ricardi U, de Sire A. A bond between rheumatic diseases and cancer in the elderly: The interleukin-6 pathway.
Int J Rheum Dis 2021;
24:1317-1320. [PMID:
34347374 DOI:
10.1111/1756-185x.14194]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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.
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