In humans, cAMP works by activating protein kinase A (PKA, cAMP-dependent protein kinase), one of the first few kinases discovered.  It has four sub-units two catalytic and two regulatory. cAMP binds to the regulatory sub-units. It causes them to break apart from the catalytic sub-units. The catalytic sub-units make their way in to the nucleus to influence transcription. Further effects mainly depend on cAMP-dependent protein kinase, which vary based on the type of cell.
cAMP-dependent pathway is necessary for many living organisms and life processes. Many different cell responses are mediated by cAMP; these include increase in heart rate, cortisol secretion, and breakdown of glycogen and fat. cAMP is essential for the maintenance of memory in the brain, relaxation in the heart, and water absorbed in the kidney.
This pathway can activate enzymes and regulate gene expression.  The activation of preexisting enzymes is a much faster process, whereas regulation of gene expression is much longer and can take up to hours. The cAMP pathway is studied through loss of function (inhibition) and gain of function (increase) of cAMP.
If cAMP-dependent pathway is not controlled, it can ultimately lead to hyper-proliferation, which may contribute to the development and/or progression of cancer.