Aging, Cancer, and Longevity: The Uncertain Road

Novera   H.   Spector; Katica      Jovanova-Nesic; Alida   M.   Gertz

doi:10.2174/1874609811306010011

Abstract

First, the latest scientific and clinical reports will be evaluated to separate the wheat from the chaff, that is, good data versus merely anecdotal evidence. Thus, the famous (infamous) Stromboli Cocktail will be brought up to date. Second, longevity statistics will be reviewed: Why do the most scientifically advanced countries have such low (comparatively) life expectancies? Scientific knowledge expands exponentially each decade, whereas there have been no significant advances in our knowledge, government, economics, politics, anti-corruption, and so forth since the dawn of history. What can we expect in the future? Will the human species outlive the cockroach? Can we expect to get closer to that theoretical asymptote of 120 years of human life? Will this ceiling ever be lifted? Finally, we offer two vital challenges to scientists of today.

Keywords: Aging, cancer, future of clinical medicine, iatrogenic medicine, longevity, life expectancy, medical malpractice, nosocomial medicine, pineal hormones, stromboli cocktail, thymus.