Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment
Published on: June 9, 2023
Short-term effects of anastrozole treatment on insulin-like growth factor system in postmenopausal advanced breast
L Ferrari1, A Martinetti, N Zilembo
1Nuclear Medicine, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori of Milan, Via G. Venezian, 1, 20133 Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) play a fundamental role in cancer development by acting in both an endocrinal and paracrinal manner, and hormone breast cancer treatments affect the IGF system by modifying circulating growth factor levels. We evaluated total IGF-1, IGF-2, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1 and IGFBP-3 in the blood of 34 postmenopausal advanced breast cancer patients (median age 63 years, range 41-85) treated with anastrozole, a non-steroidal structure aromatase inhibitor (NSS-AI). The plasma samples were obtained at baseline, and after 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. The IGFs were quantitated by means of sensitive radioimmunoassays (RIAs). IGF-1 significantly increased during anastrozole treatment (baseline versus 12 weeks, P=0.031), IGF-2 showed a trend towards an increase, and IGFBP-1 constantly but not significantly decreased; IGFBP-3 did not seem to be affected at all. The anastrozole-induced changes in IGFs and IGFBP-1 appeared to be different in the patients receiving a clinical benefit from those observed in non-responders. We have previously shown that letrozole (a different type of NSS-AI) modifies blood IGF-1 levels, and the results of this study of the biological effects of anastrozole on the components of the IGF system confirm our previous observations.
Insights
Anastrozole treatment for advanced breast cancer increased Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. Changes in IGFs and IGF binding protein-1 varied between responders and non-responders, suggesting a link to treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are crucial in cancer development.
- Hormonal breast cancer therapies can alter IGF system components.
- Anastrozole is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor used in breast cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of anastrozole on circulating IGF-1, IGF-2, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-3 levels.
- To explore potential differences in IGF system modulation between anastrozole responders and non-responders.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 34 postmenopausal advanced breast cancer patients at baseline and over 12 weeks of anastrozole treatment.
- Quantification of total IGF-1, IGF-2, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-3 was performed using radioimmunoassays (RIAs).
Main Results:
- IGF-1 levels significantly increased during anastrozole treatment (P=0.031).
- IGF-2 showed a trend towards an increase, while IGFBP-1 levels decreased non-significantly.
- IGFBP-3 levels remained unaffected; observed changes differed between clinical responders and non-responders.
Conclusions:
- Anastrozole treatment modulates the IGF system, specifically increasing IGF-1.
- The differential changes in IGFs and IGFBP-1 suggest a potential role in predicting response to anastrozole therapy.
- These findings align with previous observations on letrozole, another non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
01:16Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...