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Monks et al. J Cancer Metastasis Treat 2019;5:24 Journal of Cancer
DOI: 10.20517/2394-4722.2018.79 Metastasis and Treatment

Review Open Access

Complex interaction of adiponectin-mediated
pathways on cancer treatment: a novel therapeutic

target

Massimo Monks , Foivos Irakleidis , Peng H. Tan 2
2
1
1 UCL Medical School, Faculty of Medical Science, Royal Free NHS Foundation Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK.
2 Breast Unit, Department of Surgery, Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 2QG, UK.

Correspondence to: Dr. Peng H. Tan, Breast Unit, Department of Surgery, Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, Pond Street, London
NW3 2QG, UK. E-mail: peng.tan@nhs.net

How to cite this article: Monks M, Irakleidis F, Tan PH. Complex interaction of adiponectin-mediated pathways on cancer
treatment: a novel therapeutic target. J Cancer Metastasis Treat 2019;5:24. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-4722.2018.79

Received: 11 Nov 2018 First Decision: 21 Dec 2018 Revised: 7 Jan 2019 Accepted: 14 Feb 2019 Published: 29 Mar 2019
Science Editor: Umberto Galderisi Copy Editor: Cai-Hong Wang Production Editor: Huan-Liang Wu

Abstract
Obesity has the far reaching consequence on cancer pathogenesis and immune reactions. In particular,
adiponectin (APN) produced by adipocytes played an important role in modulating obesity related malignancies.
Via its interaction with corresponding receptors and their downstream signalling pathways, it regulates cells
survival, apoptosis and cancer metastasis. Our review dissects the clinical evidence on how hypoadiponectinaemia
associated with the increased risks of several cancers and the long-term prognosis and also addresses the
controversies. APN also has its indirect effect on anti-cancer immune response which may influence the
disease process. We also analyse the impact of APN on the immune system, the anti-tumour responses and the
controversies surrounding this area. Targeting therapeutics on APN and its receptor axis represents a promising
and novel anti-cancer treatment. Biological understanding of how APN and its interaction with its receptors may
affect the immune reactivity. Careful strategizing the use of APN therapeutics in cancer treatment is important, as
the APN receptor signalling on the immune cells can blunt anti-tumour response. Targeting APN or its receptors
has an enormous implication for the treatment of cancers.

Keywords: Adiponectin, AdipoR1/R2, Cancer, signaling pathway, anti-tumor immunity, therapeutic targets

INTRODUCTION
Adipose tissue is no longer seen as only a passive energy store, but instead a complex metabolic and
endocrine organ. Composed of adipocytes, nerve tissue, connective tissue matrix, stromo-vascular cells that

© The Author(s) 2019. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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