The Role of Inflammation in Obesity-associated Cancer

Obesity is associated with and likely plays a causal role in at least thirteen types of cancer. Worsening obesity tends to increase serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), lipids, leptin, estrogen, resistin, and inflammatory cytokines and reduces IGF-binding protein and adiponectin levels, each of which has been suggested to contribute to cancer pathogenesis. In this forum, we focused on evidence regarding a potential mechanistic link between obesity-driven inflammation and tumor development.