Visceral Fat Metabolism Linked to Aggressive Endometrial Cancer: Study

In a study presented at the EANM'25 Congress in Barcelona, researchers revealed that high metabolic activity of visceral fat is linked to aggressive endometrial cancer. Traditionally, obesity is considered a risk factor, but this research suggests the biological activity of visceral fat plays a crucial role in cancer progression.

Conducted by Haukeland University Hospital and the University of Bergen, the study involved PET/CT scans of 274 women, focusing on glucose uptake in visceral fat. Results showed women with higher metabolic activity in this fat tissue were more prone to advanced cancer stages and metastases.

Lead author Jostein Sæterstøl noted the biological activity in visceral fat, rather than its volume, is linked to disease aggression. The inflammation caused by this fat can release compounds promoting tumor growth and immune evasion.