Treatment of obesity as a potential complementary approach to cancer therapy

Abstract

Obesity has long been recognized as a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Recent epidemiological data also associate obesity with cancer risk and progression. For this reason, a combination treatment of obesity along with treatment of the cancer itself may improve patient survival and well-being. As the molecular pathways linking obesity and cancer become better understood, new potential therapy targets are surfacing. In this article, we summarize the mechanisms proposed to account for the obesity-cancer association and discuss approaches to manipulation of adipose tissue as potential interventions aimed at cancer prevention or supplemental therapy.