Jan 27 2021 Read 23357 Times New research from Harvard Medical School warns obesity could impair the function of immune cells and potentially accelerate tumour growth. Citing competition for fuel as a key driver, scientists warn a high-fat diet could allow cancer cells to outperform immune cells and spread within the body. The study builds on existing research suggesting links between obesity and more than a dozen different types of cancer, with scientists previously exploring drivers such as chronic inflammation and metabolic changes. Working from Harvard Medical School, the team conducted studies on mice to uncover new insight into the relationship between obesity and cancer. The results could spark exciting change for cancer immunotherapy, with the team noting obesity allows malignant cells to outperform a critical type of tumour-killing immune cell known as CD8+ T. Used in many different types of immunotherapies, CD8+ T kickstart the immune system and play a critical role in defencing cells against intracellular pathogens.