Obesity and Cancer Mechanisms: Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation

Purpose There is growing evidence that inflammation is a central and reversible mechanism through which obesity promotes cancer risk and progression. Methods We review recent findings regarding obesity-associated alterations in the microenvironment and the local and systemic mechanisms through which these changes support tumor growth. Results Locally, hyperadiposity is associated with altered adipose tissue function, adipocyte death, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Most individuals who are obese harbor inflamed adipose tissue, which resembles chronically injured tissue, with immune cell infiltration and remodeling. Within this distinctly altered local environment, several pathophysiologic changes are found…

• BC
  Breast Cancer Research Foundation

  Award: P30 CA008748
• MS
  Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

  Award: CA008748
• BF
  Botwinick-Wolfensohn Foundation