[The IGF system: summary and recent data]

We are entitled to state that our knowledge about the IGF system has literally exploded in the last years. Having been considered for some time merely as trophic and mitogenic factors, the IGFs now appear as molecules essential for the differentiation of many cell types, and even more so, as powerful protective agents for the nervous and the cardiovascular systems. However, these properties so beneficial in normal physiological conditions, are subverted by the cancerous cells who use them to extend their life span and resist therapy. The IGFs did not live up to expectations in the treatment of diabetes; however, today their capacity to improve the condition of patients suffering from severe neurological, renal or muscle diseases is tested. The IGF system might also be targetted by the anticancer treatments. In the following paper we have briefly summarized our knowledge on the IGF system, and presented in more detail the recent data.