The Function of PPARα in Cancer Drug Development: A Promising Target for Cancer Treatment

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality globally. PPAR modulators may hold great potential for the management of cancer patients. PPAR modulators also activate specific transcriptional pathways, regulate immune responses and inflammation, and influence the proliferation of various cancer cell types. In the last decade, emerging evidence has shown that PPARα, a nuclear hormone receptor, can modulate carcinogenesis via exerting effects on one or several characteristic pathological behaviors of cancer. This review summarizes current knowledge of PPARα function in various aspects of cancer development and the modulators that regulate PPARα. Based on the current knowledge, we have discussed the development of a potential modulator targeting PPARα for cancer treatment.