The thymus, an immune system organ, may significantly influence adult health, longevity, and cancer treatment outcomes. Researchers at Mass General Brigham found that adults with healthier thymuses lived longer and had lower risks of serious diseases. The organ's health also correlated with better responses to cancer immunotherapy.
These findings, published in two papers in *Nature*, challenge long-held assumptions about the thymus. The research suggests the thymus remains important throughout adulthood. It could inform disease prevention strategies and cancer treatment decisions.
Historically, the thymus was thought to lose importance after childhood. It gradually shrinks after puberty. It produces fewer new T cells over time. Artificial intelligence (AI) was used to analyze computed tomography (CT) scans from over 25,000 adults in a lung cancer screening trial. Data from more than 2,500 individuals in the Framingham Heart Study were also analyzed. Researchers measured the thymus's size, structure, and composition to create a “thymic health” score.
Individuals with higher thymic health scores showed better outcomes. They had a 50% lower risk of death from any cause. They also had a 63% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. The risk of developing lung cancer was 36% lower. These associations remained strong even after accounting for age and other health factors. The researchers believe declining thymic health may reduce T cell diversity. This could hinder the immune system's ability to combat new threats. Factors like chronic inflammation, smoking, and higher body weight were linked to poorer thymic health.
In a separate study, the team examined CT scans and clinical outcomes from over 1,200 cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. Patients with healthier thymuses responded better to treatment. They experienced a 37% lower risk of cancer progression. They also had a 44% lower risk of death. These results were adjusted for patient, tumor, and treatment differences. This highlights a previously unrecognized role for the thymus in cancer immunotherapy effectiveness.
Further studies are needed to confirm these results. The imaging technique for measuring thymic health is not yet ready for routine clinical use. Researchers are also investigating other factors influencing thymic health. This includes the impact of unintended radiation exposure during lung cancer treatment.
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