Overexpression Of Toll-Like Receptor 9 (Tlr9) In Elderly Cancer Patients When Compared To Cancer-Free Elderly Control Group

Background: the genes of toll-like receptors (TLR) have been described as related to the immunosenescence process and carcinogenesis. The relationship of this gene family with carcinogenesis and immunoregulatory responses seems a promising field. The aim of this study is to compare the expression of TLR9 between geriatric cancer patients and elderly patients without any personal or familiar history of cancer, establishing if there are significant differences that may be explained by the carcinogenesis process rather than the immunosenescence one. Methods: Between 2015 and 2016, a prospective cohort study including 195 elderly patients (≥ 60 years), 120 with incident cancer at the time of admission and 75 without any personal or familiar cancer history, assessed and collected sociodemographic and clinical variables and performed analysis of the peripheral blood in translational exploratory study. Determination of TLR9 was performed by flow cytometry with monoclonal antibodies anti-TLR9. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with GraphPad Prism. Results: 120 patients with incident prostate or breast cancer and 75 patients without any personal or familiar history of cancer, both with ≥ 60 years, were included. Most of the cancer patients were male (60%), while most of the patients without any cancer history were female (75%). Comparing the percentage and fluorescence values of TLR9 expression, there are significant differences (p < 0,0001) between the cancer patients group and the one without any personal or familiar cancer history. Conclusions: There is significant difference between the expression of TLR9 in elderly cancer patients and elderly patients without personal or familiar history of cancer. Legal entity responsible for the study: Jurema Telles de Oliveira Lima Funding: FACEPE/CNPq Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.