Obesity and cancer—mechanisms underlying tumour progression and recurrence

The current notion that obesity is a major risk factor for development of, and mortality associated with a subset of cancers is well appreciated; however, detailed mechanistic insights underlying this relationship are still lackingAdipose tissues that influence functions of cancer cells, such as growth, metastasis and recurrence, are an integral part of the tumour microenvironmentHeterotypic signals between cancer-associated adipocytes and cancer cells provide a permissive niche for the growth and metastasis of tumoursObesity-related inflammation is a plausible link between obesity and cancerMetabolic symbiosis between stromal adipocytes and cancer cells may account, in part, for the link between obesity and cancerThe effects of obesity on cancer progression might be specifically curbed through weight-loss interventions, such as exercise or medication