Obesity might undermine treatment for breast cancer

In 10 seconds? Researchers have found that high concentrations of a hormone called leptin – secreted by fat cells – might hamper the effectiveness of tamoxifen, a common breast cancer treatment, putting into focus the need to improve therapy for obese patients.

What hormone is that? Often called the “satiety hormone” (or the “obesity hormone”, or the “starvation hormone”, depending on whom you ask), leptin is known for its intervention in the regulation of hunger. It is produced by fat-storing cells (adipocytes) to signal the brain that the body has sufficient fat reserves.