Adipokines are emerging as key molecules linking obesity to breast cancer and are found in the tumor microenvironment. This Review discusses the role of peritumoral stroma, adipose tissue and secreted adipokines in breast cancer biology, focusing on leptin and the crosstalk between leptin and estrogen signaling. Research fromin vitroand animal studies on how leptin is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of breast cancer is discussed, along with the potential future use of leptin and its receptor as therapeutic targets in patients with breast cancer.
- Sebastiano Andò
- Stefania Catalano
