The metabolic syndrome is a complex cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The inflammatory condition associated with overweight/obesity represents a triggering factor in the aetiology of the metabolic syndrome and mainly contributes to the related pathological outcomes. Stimuli including overnutrition, physical inactivity, and ageing might cause proinflammatory cytokine oversecretion and ultimately result in insulin resistance, diabetes, and its cardiovascular complications in genetically or metabolically susceptible individuals. In addition, influencing growth, apoptosis, and proliferation of cancer and stromal cells, inflammation has also been associated with various types of cancer, for example, gastric, pancreatic, esophageal, liver, bladder, and colorectal cancers.

Previous studies suggest that the metabolic syndrome may play an imperative role in the initiation, progression, and poor prognosis of some tumors. Nowadays, the causal association between metabolic syndrome and cancer is more commonly recognized; nevertheless, the precise mechanisms mediating this relationship remain poorly understood. It has become evident that the inflammatory condition associated with metabolic syndrome contributes to the development and progression of cancer. Finding novel mechanisms underlying the link between metabolic syndrome and cancer, the role of inflammation in these diseases and identification of new therapeutic targets are of significance.

In this special issue, investigators are invited to contribute original research papers and review articles that will motivate the continuous efforts to comprehend the mechanisms, production, and management related to metabolic syndrome associated cancer.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• The link between the metabolic syndrome and cancer
• Obesity and cancer
• Diabetes and cancer
• The cause for activation of inflammation in obesity/diabetes
• Chronic inflammation in metabolic syndrome
• Inflammation and diabetes-related cardiovascular diseases