In the News

Washington -Researchers shed light on why obese patients with cancer often have a poorer prognosis compared with those who are lean.

Mikhail Kolonin, PhD, associate professor at the Institute of Molecular Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston evaluated how obesity promotes cancer progression. In his study with mice it was observed that obese mice had far more white adipose tissue cells than lean mice. Analyses indicated that cancer induced mobilization of these cells into the circulation. Once in the tumors, some of these cells were incorporated into tumor-associated blood vessels, which then provided oxygen and nutrients vital for malignant cell proliferation and tumor growth. No one says we have to all be a size 4- but if we want to enjoy our children and grandchildren we need to focus on a healthy weight and body fat percentage.

Another wake up call for women

Obesity and cancer – there have been many recent studies relating obesity to the development of several types of cancer. The odds of getting cancer in the esophagus, colon, kidney, pancreas and uterus are all increased with obesity.

However, a recent study by Dr. Joseph Sparano of the Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care looked at outcomes in patients with breast cancer. This study indicated that for women receiving the most up-to-date treatment, being obese increased the risk of recurrence by 24 percent and death by 37 percent. The increased risk was limited to women whose tumors were fueled by estrogen. Levels of that hormone may be boosted by an enzyme in fatty tissue.

“It could be related to higher hormone levels, higher insulin levels, or inflammation., which can drive the risk of recurrence,” Sparano said. The study also showed an increased risk not just for obese women, but also for those who were simply overweight.

“The take home message for women with breast cancer is that paying attention to diet, exercise and weight is important, and this can have not only a short term, but a long lasting effect,” Brown said.