Obesity, recognized as a complex and growing health issue, is associated with an increased risk of various cancers. A comprehensive review provides insights into the mechanisms linking obesity to cancer risk and discusses potential clinical implications. Inflammation, hormonal imbalances, gut microbiota dysregulation, adipokine level disruptions, and physical and biochemical stimuli are identified as key mechanisms through which obesity influences cancer development. Chronic low-grade inflammation in adipose tissue, marked by increased proinflammatory immune cell infiltration and cytokine release, is a significant characteristic of obesity and plays a role in carcinogenesis. Hormonal disturbances, such as elevated estrogen levels, contribute to the development of obesity-related cancers, especially in postmenopausal women. The gut microbiota is also dysregulated in obesity, promoting inflammation and carcinogenesis. Adipose tissue, an active endocrine organ, secretes adipokines like leptin and adiponectin, which can either promote or inhibit cancer development when their levels are altered in obesity. Additionally, physical stimuli such as increased abdominal pressure and interstitial fibrosis contribute to the risk of obesity-associated cancer.

Salk scientists discover protein first identified at Salk in 1996 called PIN1 encourages tumor growth in bladder cancer, then find treatment that pairs a PIN1-blocker and popular cholesterol-controlling statins to halt tumor growth in mice—pointing to possible new, optimized bladder cancer treatments.

Salk scientists link bile acids and immune cell performance in liver cancer, finding that supplementing the bile acid UDCA—already a current treatment for liver disease—and inhibiting bile acid-forming protein BAAT could boost liver cancer patient response to immunotherapy. Future research may reveal dietary choices that would favorably alter the gut microbiome to promote immune-boosting bile acids.

Study identifies a novel mechanism driving osteosarcoma and provides insights to help predict patient outcomes